ProMASS News Bureau: Feb 20, 2016:
Dissident Congress leader Kalikho Pul has been sworn-in as the 9th Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. Governor JP Rajkhowa administered the oath of office and secrecy to him in a simple function at Raj Bhawan in Itanagar Friday night. The oath taking ceremony was attended by 31 MLAs including the Congress rebels, BJP and 2 independent legislators. Earlier in the day, the Governor invited Mr Pul to form the government in the state. Talking to AIR, BJP state President, Tai Tagak said the BJP MLAs would give outside support to the new government.
President’s Rule was lifted Friday paving the way for government formation. President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent in this regard. The Supreme Court on Thursday vacated its stay order on revocation of the President’s Rule, which was imposed on 26th of last month. The apex court rejected the plea of the Congress leaders seeking an interim direction that the party be allowed to go in for a floor test in the Assembly to prove its majority. A five Judge Bench said, this may be a possible manner of dealing with the issue, but the matter is still pending before it and it has not yet delivered decision.
On Monday, 32 MLAs, led by Mr Kalikho Pul, called on the Governor J P Rajkhowa to stake claim for forming the next government in the state. The revolt by Congress dissidents led by Mr. Pul led to a political crisis in Arunachal Pradesh.
