Congress expels Pul for 6 years

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITAGAR, April 2: In an unprecedented political development, senior Congress MLA Kalikho Pul has been expelled from the party for his alleged anti-party activities. Pul, who represents Hayuliang assembly constituency in remote Anjaw district, was expelled for six years under the relevant rules of the party constitution, Aruchal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Padi Richo informed.

“Pul’s expulsion order has been forwarded to the state Legislative Assembly for necessary action,” Richo said.

When contacted, Pul while denying his involvement in any activities against the party’s interest, termed the move of the APCC President as ‘unfortute’.

“I am a loyal Congress man since last 30 years and how can I go against the party’s interest,” he quipped while declining to comment further. Pul is scheduled to call a press conference tomorrow to clarify his stand.

Assembly Speaker bam Rebia while acknowledging receipt of the expulsion order disclosed that Pul would remain as an un-attached member in the house and a separate seat would be provided to him as per precedent.

Pul, a five-time MLA from the constituency since 1995 consecutively, served as minister in various capacities including Fince, Tax & Excise and health and family welfare.

On December 24 last year, he was dropped from the cabinet as health and family welfare minister. With the expulsion of Pul, the Congress in the state now has 46 MLAs in a house of 60 including 11 BJP and two independents.