Takam Pario is likely to be Arunachal Pradesh's next Chief Minister (File Photo)
Highlights
- Chief Minister Pema Khandu, 6 MLAs suspended by his party
- Mr Khandu quit Congress in September to join People's Party of Arunachal
- Mr Pario will be 4th chief minister in the state this year
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has been suspended by his own party for indiscipline. One of his ministers, Takam Pario, may replace him, with a majority of the ruling People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) reportedly backing him for the top post.
Mr Pario will be the fourth chief minister in the politically turbulent state this year.
Mr Khandu, who broke away from the Congress earlier this year, was suspended along with his deputy and five other lawmakers last evening. The PPA has asked the assembly Speaker to declare the suspended members "unattached" and seat them separately for now. Mr Khandu is accused of trying to merge his party with the BJP.
Sources say Mr Khandu is considering a legal response to his suspension.
In September, the party embraced Mr Khandu along with 42 other lawmakers who broke away from the Congress, suddenly leaving the party out of power in the state. The Northeast Democratic Alliance government, which is a part of the BJP-led NDA, then took charge.
Pema Khandu was suspended along with his deputy and five other lawmakers last evening.
The northeastern border state has been struggling with political instability since last December when Congress dissidents revolted against former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki.
After a series of dramatic developments, which included a special session held at a hotel to vote out the Chief Minister, Congress rebel Kalikho Pul became Chief Minister in February with the help of 11 BJP lawmakers.
The Congress moved the Supreme Court, which turned the clock back and restored Mr Tuki's government. But Mr Tuki was out within days as he didn't enjoy a majority in the 60-member assembly. Mr Khandu was chosen as a compromise candidate.
Kalikho Pul committed suicide in August and a month later, Mr Khandu and other Congress members joined the PPA. Only Mr Tuki remained in the Congress party.