Itanagar, Feb 24 (IANS) The faction led by Congress dissident and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul on Wednesday said nine more legislators loyal to his predecessor Nabam Tuki had extended unconditional support to Pul.
"Nine more (Congress) legislators once loyal to (former chief minister Nabam) Tuki have extended unconditional support as they have reposed full faith in the leadership of Pul," Congress legislator Pasang Dorjee Sona told IANS.
With nine Tuki loyalists jumping the fence, Pul now has the support of 41 legislators - 29 Congress legislators, 11 BJP and two Independents - in the 60-member assembly.
"They have extended their unconditional support to the chief minister realising the interests of their electorates and development in their respective constituencies," Pasang said.
Governor J.P. Rajkhowa summoned the assembly session on February 25 and 27 after Pul was sworn in as chief minister on February 19 after the central government recommended that President's Rule be lifted from the state.
Pul will try to prove his majority in the assembly on Thursday after Governor Rajkhowa's address to the members of the house and the election of the new assembly speaker.
The speaker's election was necessitated after 21 legislators led by Pul impeached the then speaker Nabam Rebia during a assembly session at a makeshift venue here and elected Pul as the new leader of the house.
Rajkhowa advanced the sixth session of the assembly from January 14 to December 16 and 17 last year after the rebel Congress legislators openly revolted against the then chief minister Nabam Tuki.
