Khandu new Arunachal CM

Itanagar, Apr 9 (UNI) Rebel leader Dorjee Khandu was today sworn-in the fifth Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, bringing an end to the eleven-day political crisis in the state.

Governor Katteekal Sankaranarayanan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr Khandu at a glittering function at the Darbar Hall of the Raj Bhawan in presence of all the Congress legislators, BJP, NCP and Arunachal Congress MLAs besides high-level police and civil officers.

The swearing-in of the new council of ministers would be held shortly after consultation with the party high command, Mr Khandu told reporters immediately after the oath taking function.

Earlier this morning, Mr Khandu was unanimously elected the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader at a crucial meeting held in the presence of central leaders Oscar Fernandes and Priyaranjan Dasmunsi.

According to party sources out of 33 Congress legislators 25 supported the leadership of Power Minister Dorjee Khandu while five stood for former incumbent Mr Gegong Apang during the CLP meeting.

Mr Khandu began his political career in 1990 by getting elected uncontested from Mukto constituency in Tawang district. Till then he served the state as cabinet minister in various capacities.

Born in a Monpa family of Gyangkhar village, Mr Khandu also served in the Army Intelligence Core for seven years, besides various other social and political assignments.

Apang, who became chief X X X Eds here picking up from line one para four of CA28 POLITICS-ARUNACHAL-KHANDU-CM TWO LAST ITANAGAR.

UNI