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Apang ministry receives another jolt, 2 more ministers quit

The 28-month-old regional Arunachal Congress ministry headed by Gegong Apang suffered another severe blow when two of his ministers resigned last night in protest against Apang's failure to ''ensure development'' of the state.

In separate but identical letters addressed to Apang, T G Rinpoche, minister of state for trade and commerce and Naresh Glow, minister of state for social welfare, tendered their resignation citing, among other reasons, ''Your (chief minister's) lack of faith in the council of ministers, encouraging dynastic rule and disparity in fund allocations.''

''Our resignations are final and total as we have lost confidence in you,'' they said.

By another joint letter, both of them have withdrawn their support to the Apang government forthwith.

Copies of the letters were also sent to the state governor and the assembly speaker for necessary action.

Both the legislators were independent members of the house and had joined the ruling Arunachal Congress government as associate members.

Arunachal Congress-M spokesman Takam Sanjoy told a hurriedly called press conference this morning that both the independent legislators have extended their unconditional support to the Arunachal Congress-M party led by Mukut Mithi.

Speaker Chowna Mein last night recognised the newly-formed Arunachal Congress-M, led by Mithi.

An official notification to this effect has been issued in Itanagar.

The notification said since 24 members of the Arunachal Congress had constituted a separate group, known as Arunachal Congress-M, it would be deemed a political party under the provision of paragraph three of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

The notification also stated that the number of members of the AC-M were not less than the one-third of the members of Arunachal Congress legislature party.

Governor Mata Prasad yesterday met President K R Narayanan and Home Minister L K Advani and briefed them of current political situation in the state.

Mata Prasad air-dashed to the capital for urgent consultations with the central leaders following revolt of almost entire cabinet against the chief minister.

The governor has asked the chief minister to prove his majority on the floor of the house on Janauary 18. He said he had taken this decision after consulting legal experts and eminent constitutional authorities. However, Apang has recommended dissolution of the state assembly and holding of fresh elections.

UNI

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