Cong rebels, BJP join hands to form govt in Arunachal

Rebel Congress MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh led by Kalikho Pul  along with BJP lawmakers and two independents met Arunachal Pradesh Governor J P Rajkhowa on Monday and staked claim to form the next government.

Congress rebel camp boasts of 18 MLAs while BJP has 11.

Pul paraded all the 32 MLAs (including himself) before the governor to prove he has a majority. Pul’s camp has one more than the magic figure of 31 to prove his majority in the Assembly which has been placed in suspended animation since January 26 last when President’s Rule was imposed in the state.

Leader of opposition Tamiyo Taga (BJP),  who came along with BJP MLAs, submitted a separate memorandum stating unconditional support to Pul.

This move from the rebel Congress camp comes after an initiative by the Congress high command to broker peace between the warring camps failed, party sources added.

While there was no official word from the governor’s office on this development, sources indicated the governor would be sending a note to the Centre recommending the withdrawal of President’s Rule.