Pema Khandu was today sworn in as the ninth Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh marking the culmination of fast-paced political developments in this north-eastern state. Chowna Mein was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister. Son of late Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, 37-year-old Pema, who became the youngest chief minister in the country, and Mein were administered the oath by Governor Tathagata Roy at the Rajbhavan here.
Hours ahead of the scheduled floor test in the Assembly yesterday which Chief Minister Nabam Tuki was directed by the governor to take, the Congress Legislature Party had elected Pema Khandu, in place of Tuki, who was restored to the Chief Minister’s post earlier this week after the apex court verdict. Pema then staked claim to power on the basis of the support of 45 party MLAs along with two independents. In a volte-face, ousted chief minister Khaliko Pul, also returned to the party fold with 30 dissident MLAs. In the 60-member House with an effective strength of 58, Congress now claims the support of 47 MLAs, including two independents.
