Sonia summons Apang, Deori to discuss leadership

Itanagar, Apr 6: Congress President Sonia Gandhi has summoned Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Gegong Apang and Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Omem Moyong Deori for discussions on the leadership crisis in the state.

Both the leaders air-dashed to Guwahati this morning in a special chopper to catch the first flight to the national capital.

Arunachal Pradesh Water Resources Minister Tako Dabi claimed that state Power Minister Dorjee Khandu might take over as the new Chief Minister of the state.

He told sources over the phone from New Delhi this morning that honouring the sentiments of rebel Congress leaders, Ms Gandhi last night gave a nod for a change in leadership to resolve the ongoing crisis in the state.

Of the 33 Congress legislators, 27 including 11 Ministers, had revolted against the incumbent Chief Minister for his ''dictatorial'' attitude and ''unfair'' distribution of portfolios. The Congress has 34 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly followed by BJP (9), two each of NCP and Arunachal Congress (AC), besides 13 Independents.

However, 11 Independents along with two NCP and one AC legislators were supporting the rebel camp.

Meanwhile, the proposed visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the state on April 8 remains uncertain, highly placed sources here said.

UNI