Had told Centre about ‘breakdown’ of constitutional machinery: Guv

Days before Arunachal Pradesh came under President’s Rule, Governor JP Rajhkowa had told the Centre that there was breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state and it was “suffering badly” in the field of development and maintenance of law and order due to political instability and that there has been a failure of constitutional machinery.

Rajhkowa had also informed the President that he and his family members apprehended “grave danger to their lives” due to public criticism against him and frequent gherao of the Raj Bhawan and use of “filthy language”.

A month later, in his “special report”, Rajhkowa said 31 MLAs out of the present strength of 58 supported Kalikho Pul as their leader and staked their claim to form the government.

“Thus, the majority of MLAs have supported Kalikho Pul as the Leader of the House and the next Chief Minister...In view of the foregoing, the Hon’ble President may consider revoking the proclamation imposing the President’s Rule so as to enable formation of a democratically elected government enjoying majority in the House...” he stated in his report dated February 16.

In his first letter dated January 15, the Governor said Arunachal Pradesh “has been suffering badly in the field of development, delivery of public services, management of state’s resources, maintenance of law and order, etc, due to political instability, more particularly since September- October 2015, caused by dissidence in the ruling Congress party and consequent chaotic conditions.” 

He said the “Constitutional machinery has already broken down”. Rajkhowa said in a House of 60 members, the (then) ruling Congress led by (then) Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has support of only 26 MLAs, including himself and Speaker Nabam Rebia, as against the earlier backing of 47 MLAs.

The report said 21 “dissident” MLAs openly revolted against Tuki.

The Union Cabinet had recommended the imposition of President’s Rule in the state on January 24, which was imposed on January 26.