The Hindu : Mithi, Apang want trial of strength in Assembly

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 30, 2003

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Mithi, Apang want trial of strength in Assembly

ITANAGAR JULY 29. The Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Mukut Mithi, whose Government was reduced to a minority, today refused to resign and instead asked Governor, V.C. Pandey, to convene a special session of the Assembly for a trial of strength, a demand also made by the former Chief Minister, Gegong Apang, who has staked claim to form a new Ministry.

There was no official word from the Raj Bhavan but indications are that the Governor might order a trial of strength on the floor of the Assembly since the demand has been voiced by both sides.

Mr. Mithi, in his first interaction with the media since the beginning of the crisis on Sunday, expressed reluctance to resign although 38 out of the total 56 members of the CLP in the 60-member Assembly have deserted him to form the United Democratic Front under the leadership of Mr. Apang.

Mr. Mithi's top aide and Education Minister, Sanjoy Takam, said: "if we loose, we will do it with dignity" and the Chief Minister "would not resign voluntarily". The UDF spokesman, Lijum Ronya, said the Governor should convene the House within the shortest possible time if Mr. Mithi did not resign immediately.

Mr. Apang paraded 42 MLAS before the Governor yesterday to buttress his claim for forming the Government.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mithi has forwarded to the Governor the resignation of 22 of his ministerial colleagues who switched loyalty to Mr. Apang.

In a related action, the Speaker issued notification, according recognition to the UDF led by Mr. Apang. — PTI

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