Guwahati
The BJP is reportedly pushing for the merger of People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA), its ally that rules Arunachal Pradesh.
If the merger becomes a reality, BJP would have its second government in the northeast after Assam. The BJP, though, had ruled Arunachal Pradesh for a year in 2003.
Speculations in the state bordering China have been rife after BJP state unit president Tapir Gao conveyed Shah’s merger proposal to PPA leader and chief minister Kalikho Pul a few days ago.
“Our central leadership sent a message for PPA’s merger with the BJP. The ball is now in the chief minister’s court but neither he nor the PPA has responded yet,” Gao said.
Gao had last month said the PPA-BJP merger was just a matter of time.
The PPA, however, has dubbed the merger talk as ‘rumour’.
“The PPA is not merging with the BJP, which is our ally. There are no differences or misunderstanding between us,” party chairman Kamen Ringu said.
But, he said, a decision could be taken in the next three-four months if the Pul government fails to deliver on the development front. “There is no problem as of now.”
Pul, a former Congress leader, had in February formed a dissident Congress government after dethroning Nabam Tuki. The rebel Congress government, with support from BJP and independents, had 31 MLAs in the 60-member assembly.
{{/usCountry}}Pul, a former Congress leader, had in February formed a dissident Congress government after dethroning Nabam Tuki. The rebel Congress government, with support from BJP and independents, had 31 MLAs in the 60-member assembly.
{{/usCountry}}Less than a month later, Pul and the other rebel Congress MLAs defected to the PPA.
The PPA is one of 11 constituents of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) that BJP heads.
Formed on May 24, the Sarbananda Sonowal took oath as Assam chief minister, NEDA’s aim is to ensure a Congress-free region.