Political bargaining: Pul gets Saaya

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITAGAR, Feb 22: With the installation of a new government after President Prab Mukherjee lifted the 24-days-old Central Rule from the state on Friday, the bargain game began with incumbent Chief Minister Kalikho Pul able to garner support of Likha Saaya.

In an impromptu press conference at Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok, Pul made an official announcement regarding Saaya joining his team of supporters.

Flanked by Saaya, Pema Khandu, Thangam Wangham, Kameng Dolo and Honchun Ngandam, the chief minister claimed that 12 more MLAs are expected to support him for a strong and stable government in the state.

Pul however, clarified that some people were kept under duress while citing the instance of the dinner party hosted by former Chief Minister bam Tuki where around 18 MLAs were allegedly forced to put their sigtures on blank papers.

“Those who withdrew their support were removed from their seats. A Congress Speaker removed two party MLAs”, Pul wondered adding that it was one of the key reasons for which other MLAs were taking time to join hands with his camp. Responding to Tuki’s allegations that his government is unconstitutiol, Pul said “The government can never be unconstitutiol. The one who has the required magic number will form the government.”

Maintaining that he would stand by his leader till the end, Saaya disclosed that he had stood by former chief minister Tuki till the end of his leadership as well.

“In my two terms as MLA, I have always believed in the able leadership and vision of Pul, which I had also told the former chief minister on several occasions. I believe in Pul’s leadership and will continue to support him whole-heartedly”, Saaya added. He, however, affirmed that he was under no pressure from anyone to support the leader of his choice and that he had sought the approval of the people of his constituency in extending his support to Pul. Saaya added that in order to bring development to his constituency, the leadership of Pul is a requisite and under his able guidance, Aruchal would witness great changes and developments in all spheres in the days to come.