Arunachal Pradesh’s ruling Peoples’ Party of Arunachal (PPA) today said that Takam Pario, the richest MLA in the Assembly, is likely to succeed Pema Khandu who was suspended temporarily for alleged anti-party activities.
“Takam Pario, PHED minister, is likely to be the next Arunachal Pradesh CM,” PPA President Kahfa Bengia said.
Pario has declared assets of Rs 187 crore in his last affidavit filed prior to the polls.
Sources said that the party will submit Pario' s name to Governor V Shanmuganathan.
The move comes a day after the PPA temporarily suspended Khandu, deputy chief minister Chowna Mein and five MLAs for alleged anti-party activities. The MLAs include Jambey Tashi, C T Mein, P D Sona, Zignu Namchoom and Kamlung Mossang.
Khandu, who had become CM in July, had deserted Congress along with 42 other MLAs to join PPA in September. The party is a part of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).
The PPA has also issued directions to all MLAs not to attend meetings summoned by Khandu, son of late chief minister Dorjee Khandu, as he has been removed as the legislature party leader.
Meanwhile, state BJP president Tapir Gao said that his party still considers Khandu to be the CM.
“12 BJP MLAs in Arunachal strongly backing government led by Pema Khandu,” BJP general secretary Ram Madhav told ANI.
If appointed, Pario will be the third Chief Minister to be changed in the state in 2016 after Kalikho Pul and Pema Khandu.
