In a dramatic turnaround in Arunachal Pradesh, the Congress party on Saturday replaced Chief Minister Nabam Tuki with Pema Khandu, who staked claim to power on the basis of support of 45 party party MLAs along with two Independents.
Hours ahead of a scheduled floor test in the Assembly, the Congress Legislature Party met and elected 37-year-old Pema Khandu, son of former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, as its new leader.
Mr. Tuki proposed the name of Mr. Khandu, which was unanimously accepted by 44 MLAs. Speaker Nabam Rebia did not attend the meeting while ousted Chief Minister Khaliko Pul attended the meeting with the rebel MLAs.
In the 60-member House with an effective strength of 58, the Congress now claims the support of 47 MLAs, including two independents.
Mr. Khandu said the Governor had not given any commitment yet as he told them that he has to go through records and process their claim.
“Right now the Governor has not commented [on their claim]. No time has been given for oath taking,” said Mr. Khandu.
