Centre conspiring to install ‘khichdi’ govt in Arunachal: Tuki

New Delhi, February 14

Nabam Tuki, ousted Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, today accused the Centre of conspiring to install a government comprising dissident Congress MLAs and BJP by revoking President's rule in the state and said any such move will be "completely unconstitutional".

It will be in violation of law as the matter is already before the Supreme Court, he contended and warned of political instability and law and order problems in Arunachal Pradesh if a "khichdi" government is formed in the state.

"I have come to know that all dissident MLAs and BJP MLAs were taken to Arunachal Pradesh through a chartered plane first to Assam and then in helicopters to Itanagar.

"The MLAs are lodged in two hotels in Itanagar and they are waiting to meet the Governor to stake claim to form the government under the leadership of Kalikho Pul," Tuki told PTI.

Tuki, the leader of the Congress Legislature Party, said if the dissidents and BJP MLAs form a government it would be completely unconstitutional and against the law as the Supreme Court is still hearing a case regarding the imposition of President's rule in the state and dismissal of his government.

The revolt by Congress dissidents led by Kalikho Pul led to a political crisis in the state that finally led to imposition of President's rule on January 26.

All 21 dissident MLAs had been camping in New Delhi for a long time after revolting against the Tuki government. They were joined by 11 BJP MLAs and two independents.

Tuki reportedly has the support of 26 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly.

The former Chief Minister accused Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh, of conspiring with the dissident Congress MLAs.

"He (Rijiju) is the person doing everything. He has sponsored the MLAs, providing security to them and destabilising my government. He had succeeded in it.

"Now the Central government is conspiring to form a government," he said.

Tuki said if a "Khichdi (potpourri) government is formed, it will not last long as there would be law and order problems and political instability".

"Such a government will not last. I have come to know that after forming the government, they would recommend mid-term poll," he said.

Assembly election in Arunachal Pradesh was held along with the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

The Congress, which had 47 MLAs in the 60-member assembly, suffered a jolt when 21 of its lawmakers rebelled.

Eleven BJP MLAs and two independents backed the rebels in the bid to upstage the government.

Later, 14 rebel Congress MLAs were disqualified by the Speaker.

The Supreme Court, which is considering pleas against imposition of President's rule in Arunachal Pradesh, is hearing petitions seeking examination of constitutional schemes on the scope of discretionary powers of the Governor. — PTI