21 rebel MLAs refuse to attend CLP meet

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITAGAR, Nov 7: Dissension within the ruling Congress in Aruchal Pradesh has reached its peak with 21 MLAs opposing the leadership of Chief Minister bam Tuki decided to skip the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting to be convened on November 8.

The CLP meeting has been convened by AICC general secretary V rayanswamy, Secretary Dr Jayakumar and Aruchal Pradesh Congress committee (APCC) to resolve the crisis in the state.

Tuki has been facing an open rebellion from a section of Congress MLAs for close to two months who are camping in New Delhi trying to seek a change in the political leadership citing gross mismagement of funds.

A signed statement from the ‘dissident group’ on Friday claimed that “there are already differences of opinion with regards to autocratic way of functioning and disrespect for inner democracy of the party”.

Denouncing Tuki’s legitimacy as the CLP leader, the 21 MLAs said that “any meeting called under his leadership do not carry any substance and holds no water”.

The statement came a day after veteran Congress MLA Kameng Dolo resigned from his post as principal advisor to the chief minister and chairman of the state council for IT and e-governce.

Dolo said he was resigning because of ‘trust deficit’ and ‘ideological differences’ with the leadership.

A series of resigtions by the rebel MLAs from various official posts have been made recently, most notably with Pema Khandu resigning from his position as tourism minister last week.

Those who signed the statement include Kalikho Pul, Chow Mein, Kumar Waii, Kameng Dolo, Kamlung Mossang, Wanglin Lowangdong, TN Thongdok, CT Mein, Thangwang Wangham, Wangki Lowang, Lombo Tayeng, Jarkar Gamlin, Phosum Khimhun, Honchun Ngandam, PD So, Markio Tado, Pema Khandu, Wanglam Sawin, Zignu mchoom, Mutchu Mithi and Gabriel D Wangsu.