President’s rule in Arunachal Pradesh: Why and how?

After it recommended President’s rule in Arunachal Pradesh, the Union Government has been asked by President Pranab Mukherjee to explain its reasons for doing so. The Congress, which rules the state, has moved the Supreme Court challenging the recommendation and also met the President.The Union Cabinet has recommended the imposition of President’s rule in Congress party-ruled Arunachal Pradesh. The recommendation has been sent to the President of India for his assent. However, news reports say that the President has reportedly asked the Home minister Rajnath Singh to explain the need for central rule in the northeastern border state.

The Union government has suggested this move as the state assembly has been in turmoil since December 2015.  However, the Congress party, which is in power in Arunachal has alleged that Governor JP Rajkhowa acted as a “BJP agent” and helped its rebel lawmakers by calling an assembly session a month ahead of time.

The Congress Party has said it will challenge the Central government’s decision in court. Senior Congress Party leader Kapil Sibal has accused Prime Minister Modi of destabilizing a border state.