Congress always had 'Plan B' in Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal, July 17: It was three days back when the Supreme Court ruled that the Nabam Tuki government be restored in Arunachal Pradesh, the Congress came out with a Plan B. It was fully aware that the rallying point for the rebels who had followed Kalikho Pul was just one and that was a change in leadership.

Soon after the Supreme Court verdict, Congress leaders sat down to discuss the situation as they were fully aware that they lacked the numbers to win a trust vote.

There was not much planning that went into it and the agenda was just one point and that was if the need be, Tuki will resign as the leader of the legislature party.

Plan B:

When Tuki had sought more time from the Governor to take a trust vote, it appeared as though the Congress had lost the game in Arunachal Pradesh. The Governor made it clear that there will be no further time given as it appeared as though the government was in a minority.

The Congress was fully aware that the rebels had quit not because they had differences with the party, but with the leadership of Tuki. Congress sources informed it was not hard to convince Tuki to step down as the leader in the larger interest of the party.

Tuki was told that the Supreme Court ruling was in their favour and they should do everything to ensure that the same is made best use of. After the verdict came out on Wednesday, top Congress leaders were in touch with 18 rebels.

The rebels had told them that they had a problem with Tuki and not the party. The Congress assured them that the change would be made and this seems to have convinced the rebels.

While the Congress had spoken with the rebels, it had also got in touch with Pul and told him that he could pick a leader of his choice.

On Saturday, Tuki did exactly as his high command had told him. He went to the governor and tendered his resignation.

Pema Khandu was selected as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party. He is a more acceptable face not just to the rebels but also their leaders, Kalikho Pul who had to step down as the CM in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling.

OneIndia News