What next in Arunachal Pradesh after SC restores Cong govt

Ousted chief minister Nabam Tuki is back after SC decision.

The Supreme Court restored the Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday, saying all decisions taken by the assembly after December 9 last year are invalid.

Supreme Court restores Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh.

This means ousted chief minister Nabam Tuki is back, because he was in power on December 9.

“The court has today saved this country and its Constitution. A historic and remarkable judgment,” Tuki told news agency ANI.

But the Congress has just 26 MLAs now in the 60-member assembly. There are 21 Congress rebels, 11 BJP MLAs and two other legislators.

Congress leader and senior advocate Vivek Tankha said the governor has to respect the Supreme Court judgment and call Tuki to form the government. The assembly may take up a floor test later, if required.

With the Supreme Court restoring the previous Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh, the verdict is likely to set in motion the following chain of events:

Tankha also said that there is now no need for the SC to look into pending petitions challenging the Centre’s decision to impose President’s Rule in the state.

“In the wake of this order, it is not required now,” said the Congress Rajya Sabha MP.

The Centre is likely to seek a review of the decision in the top court but most review petitions are generally dismissed.

Arunachal Pradesh plunged into political crisis in November after 21 of the Congress’ 47 legislators rebelled against Tuki.

This led to imposition of President’s Rule in January and the formation of a fresh government led by rebel MLA Kalikho Pul, supported by the BJP.