Arunachal Pradesh: Tough floor test for Nabam Tuki today

Guwahati: Though Mr Nabam Tuki counts Wednesday’s Supreme Court verdict reinstating his government in Arunachal Pradesh as a victory, he appears likely to lose Saturday’s floor test in the Assembly with 43 legislators standing united with his opponent, Kalikho Pul. The assembly has a strength of 80.

Mr Nabam Tuki met Governor Tathagata Roy on Friday and sought the postponement of the floor test by at least 10 days, but the request was rejected.

The Raj Bhavan stated, “They (the CM and the governor) discussed overall development of the state and law and order issues. They also discussed the floor test in the Assembly to be convened on Saturday. Citing apprehension that the present state government does not command the majority, the governor asked the CM to prove his majority on the floor of the legislature.”     

Congress: Give Tuki time for floor test
The Congress is keeping its cards on Arunachal Pradesh close to its chest after the governor on Friday rejected chief minister Nabam Tuki’s plea for deferring the floor test which he was directed to take by Satu-rday to prove his majority in the Assembly.

The party officials, who are claiming that the Congress has 45 MLAs in the state Assembly arguing that violation of the party whip could disqualify them, are tightlipped on whether they can approach the SC on Saturday. They said acting governor Tathagata Roy has to give “reasonable time” to Tuki in light of the SC’s recent landmark judgment on imposition of President’s Rule in Arunachal.

“The governor cannot convene a session unilaterally. There are SC judgments in this regard. The Sarkaria Commission says at least 30 days have to be given for holding such a test. The governor can only advise the CM, who in consultation with his council of ministers, can convene an assembly session.”