Cabinet clears President's rule in Aruchal

New Delhi, Jan 24: The Union cabinet on Sunday recommended imposition of President's Rule in Aruchal Pradesh, informed sources here said.

Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa by his December 9, 2015, message had advanced the date of the convening of the assembly session. The move was criticised by the Congress and party leader Kapil Sibal had said the governor could not have acted on a resolution by the opposition BJP legislators and two independents.

On January 18, the Supreme Court said that it would examine whether Rajkhowa's decision of advancing the assembly session to December 16 to take up the resolution for the removal of Speaker bam Rebia was valid or not.

Rebia was removed as Speaker by 20 rebel Congress legislators backed by 11 BJP and two Independent lawmakers on December 16 in an assembly session held in a community hall in Itagar that was presided over by the deputy speaker.

The rebel Congress lawmakers were earlier disqualified by Rebia.

The deputy speaker, before moving the motion removing Rebia as speaker, restored the membership of the disqualified MLAs.

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju asserted that the Cabinet recommendation was in accordance with the Constitution as the Assembly did not hold its session for more than six months. "And this year on the 21st January, the six months time has completed. President's Rule could have been imposed immediately but since the matter is sub-judice and the decision is pending in the Supreme Court. But the time frame of six months has exceeded.

Congress MLAs in Aruchal Pradesh who revolted against Chief Minister bam Tuki today welcomed the Union Cabinet recommendation for imposition of President's rule in the state and said they were ready to form an altertive government with the support of BJP and others.