Kalikho Pul sworn-in as the 9th Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh

Kalikho Pul has been sworn-in as the 9th Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh after Governor JP Rajkhowa used his discretionary powers to appoint him.
He was administered oath to the office and secrecy by Governor in a simple function at Raj Bhawan in Itanagar.
Now Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has to prove majority in the 60 member state legislative assembly. He is being supported by 32 MLAs including the Congress rebels, BJP legislators and 2 independent legislators.
Earlier Kalikho Pul was in Congress Party and had served as State Finance Minister from 2003 until 2007 in the Government led by then Chief Minister Gegong Apang.
Background

• Earlier, President’s Rule under Article 356 was lifted in the state after President Pranab Mukherjee had given his assent to it. This had paved the way for government formation.
• The President’s Rule was lifted after the Supreme Court vacated its stay order on revocation of it which was imposed on 26th January following the political crisis in the north eastern hill state.
• In December 2015, 21 out of 47 ruling Congress legislators in the 60-member house had rebelled along with 11 BJP and 2 independent legislators and extended support to Kalikho Pul to form new government.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2016