Guwahati: The Arunachal Pradesh Governor Tathagata Roy on Sunday sworn in Pema Khandu as the ninth chief Minister of the state. The 36-year-old Mr Pema, the youngest chief Minister of the country, replaced Mr Nabam Tuki who resigned after stepping down as leader of the Congress Legislature Party on Saturday, hours before he was to seek a trust vote.
Mr Khandu was part of a group of 30 party lawmakers who had rebelled against Mr Tuki’s leadership. Mr Chowna Mein was sworn in as the deputy chief minister. Indicating that at least 10 more MLAs would be inducted in the council of ministers, sources said that Mr Khandu would be expanding his cabinet soon.
Mr Khandu who was elected the leader of the Congress Legislature Party on Saturday had staked claim to form the government on the basis of the support of 45 MLAs including two independents. In a volte-face, ousted CM Khaliko Pul, who was confident to win the confidence vote on Saturday also returned to the party fold with 30 dissident MLAs.
