Kalikho Pul sworn in as Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh

GUWAHATI: The political turmoil took a new turn on Friday as dissent Congress leader leader Kalikho Pul took the oath as Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh.

Supreme Court’s verdict on Thursday paved the way for government formation in Arunachal Pradesh. President Pranab Mukerjee on Friday revoked the President rule in the state following which in an unprecedented swearing in ceremony in the late evening Pul become the 8th Chief Minister of the state.

Dislodged former Chief Minister, Nabam Tuki camp however has expressed apprehension that Pul might dissolve the assembly. The cabinet expansion is likely to take some time.

National executive member of BJP, Tapir Gao told ET, "The basic task will be to provide a corruption free government and initiate massive developmental activity in the state."

Pul on Monday met Governor J.P Rajkhowa and staked the claim to form government in the state once President’s rule is revoked. Pul took 31 members to Rajbhavan. Pul claims to have support of 19 Congress MLA, 11 BJP and 2 independent. Following the expulsion of two MLA, the strength of state assembly is reduced to 58.

BJP has already announced that it will lend outside support to the government and will not be the part of the government.

There has been series of political development in Arunachal in last couple of months. Governor J P Rajkhowa preponed Assembly session to December 16, 2015 from January 14, 2016, Tuki and his supporters boycotted the preponed session of the House, a section of dissident Congress legislators, BJP legislators held the session of the assembly in a community hall and in a hotel and impeached the Speaker Nabam Rebia and moved no confidence motion against the Chief Minister Tuki and elected Pul as the leader.

The turmoil of Arunachal reached Guwahati High court. It culminated in Centre imposing President Rule. The matter went to the Supreme Court.