Congress leader Nabam Tuki took charge as the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday after a Supreme Court bench directed a status quo ante (a return to the original status) in the state as it prevailed on December 15, 2015. Tuki sent a letter to Governor JP Rajkhowa about the transition of power from New Delhi, reported Hindustan Times.
Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said, “The judgement has to be implemented, and the governor will take all necessary actions and steps.” His statement came after a a high-level meeting called by Home Minister Rajnath Singh following the verdict.
Although Tuki has officially taken charge of the government, he might find it difficult to sustain it because of lack of numbers. The Congress has only 15 legislators in the 58-member state Assembly.
While hearing a petition filed against a Gauhati High Court verdict regarding Rajkhowa's decision to bring forward the Winter Session of the Assembly without consulting Tuki, the apex court bench led by Justice JS Khehar quashed the discretionary powers of governors to summon or advance House sessions. This verdict is applicable not just to the state, but to the entire country.
With the ruling, dissident Congress leader Kalikho Pul, who was sworn in as the chief minister on February 20, no longer holds the post. The court also said that all orders passed by Rajkhowa after December 9, 2015, are unsustainable.
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