New twist adds in Arunachal’s political drama: CM Khandu claims support of 49 MLAs

He was suspended, along with six other MLAs, from the ruling People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA).

But the PPA said that there will be change in leadership.

Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu claimed support of 49 of the 60 MLAs, including 35 of PPA legislators.

“My government has support of 49 MLAs including 35 PPA legislators and 12 BJP MLAs along with one associate BJP member and a Independent,” Khandu said.

“The PPA is not a single man party, whatever the decision taken by its president Kahfa Bengia. We are trying to sort out the differences between the party MLAs,” Khandu said.

Meanwhile, BJP has extended their support to Khandu.

During a press conference held in Itanagar, the BJP unit of Arunachal Pradesh said that, the saffron party will support to Khandu led government.

BJP’s central leader Ram Madhav said that, Khandu is the candidate of NEDA and his party to support him.

On the other hand, the PPA had declared Takam Pario as its leader in the assembly, a day after the party had suspended its seven MLAs including CM Pema Khandu and his deputy Chowna Mein for anti party activities.

Takam Pario is the MLA from Palin constituency and also the  richest MLA in Arunachal Pradesh with declared assets of Rs 187 crore.

Arunchal Pradesh witnessed few high political dramas in this year including changing three CM.

On Aug 9, former CM Kalikho Pul wasfound hanging at the CM residence in Itanagar.

Pema Khandu quit Congress along with 43 MLAs and joined PPA on Sept 16.

In the last by-poll of Hayuliang constituency following the death of Kalikho Pul, BJP had fielded Pul’s third wife Dasanglu Pul.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)