Congress rebels ready to form government with BJP support in Arunachal Pradesh

NEW DELHI: Congress MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh who revolted against Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today welcomed the Union Cabinet recommendation for imposition of President's rule in the state and said they were ready to form an alternative government with the support of BJP and others.

"We welcome the Centre's decision as there was complete breakdown of Constitution. Nabam Tuki constitutionally, democratically and morally has no right to rule. He should have resigned long ago," MLA and spokesman of the rebel group, Pasang Dorjee, told PTI tonight.

Dorjee said the rebel Congress group has 21 MLAs and they were supported by 11 BJP legislators and two independent MLAs while Tuki has support of just 26 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly.

"We have 34 MLAs and we are ready to form the government," he said.

Asked whether they would support a BJP-led government, Dorjee said that question does not arise at all as the rebel Congress group has more MLAs than the BJP.

"We are still in Congress and we want a Congress-led government, not BJP-led government. We are against Nabam Tuki but not against Congress party," he said.

The Union Cabinet today has recommended imposition of President's rule in Arunachal Pradesh but suggested for keeping the Assembly under suspended animation.

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju asserted that the Cabinet recommendation was in accordance with the Constitution as the Assembly did not hold its session for more than six months.

"And this year on the 21st January, the six months time has completed. President's Rule could have been imposed immediately but since the matter is sub-judice and the decision is pending in the Supreme Court. But the time frame of six months has exceeded.

"We do not have any role in the recommendation of President's Rule because it is a constitutional process," the minister said.

Asked whether BJP would support a Congress-led government as claimed by him, Dorjee said for the interest of Arunachal Pradesh, the BJP would be ready to support the Congress rebel group.

"We are for development of Arunachal Pradesh. The BJP is also for development of Arunachal Pradesh. So, why will not they support us," he said.

Dorjee said they have already projected former Minister and veteran state Congress leader Kalikho Pul as the next Chief Minister of the state.