Letter from the Editor-in-Chief

January 2016                                                     Dr. K. K.Jhunjhunwala

The year 2015 was a year with mix response. However for Arunachal Pradesh, it might be a change of guard. The toppling game is not new in the North East. Arunachal Pradesh is no exception. In 1996, 54 MLAs walked out of the Congress party to join the new political party formed by the then undisputed king of Arunachal Pradesh Mr. Gagong Apang. He then aligned with BJP.

Exactly in the same line – 11 dissident Congress MLAs wanted a change of leadership (Read CM) which was refused by All India Congress Committee. The confrontation continues and the dissident MLAs wanted an impeachment motion against Assembly Speaker Mr. Nabam Rebia, who is termed as loyal to Tuki. During this time Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Mr. Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa advanced the Assembly session to December 16th from January 14th. This led to an open confrontation between the dissident MLAs and the Governor. A delegation of the MLAs who called upon Mr. Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa to recall the December 9th order advancing the Assembly session. The Governor did not oblige to the request of the MLAs who in turn used unparliamentarily words and entered into altercation. The security personnel of the Governor immediately intervened and brought the situation under control. However, the MLAs preferred to move to the Guwahati High Court for a stay.

The entire episode put out legislature at a very poor taste! The dignity and prestige of the Governor as a Constitutional head was challenged. It is within the power of the Governor to call the session of the Assembly. Acts, like this only helps in lowering the image of political leaders. Our cover story this month – “Political Turmoil in Arunachal Pradesh” deals with this issue.

We also wish our readers a very happy and prosperous New Year 2016.