The crisis in Arunachal Pradesh and subsequent verdict by the Supreme Court, were used by the critics to slam BJP and PM Narendra Modi, saying democracy was murdered in the state. But, today’s development within the Congress has proved it otherwise.

When the majority of Congress MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh revolted in December 2015, their lone demand was the ouster of Nabam Tuki, who was seen as an unpopular leader in the state. Kalikho Pul led the revolt with 21 MLAs and ran a parallel assembly session. As the minority government led by Tuki ruled Arunachal, the Governor intervened and recommended President’s Rule. Pul formed the government with the help of 11 BJP MLAs.

After SC restored the Congress Government led by Tuki, the party leadership, which earlier refused to give in to the rebels, had to eat humble pie and go down on their knee to bring them back.

The rebels had one point agenda – ouster of Tuki. And, Congress leadership had to drop him. However, instead of Kalikho Pul, late CM Dorjee Khandu’s son Pema Khandu was elected leader of the CLP and all MLAs backed him. Had the Congress High Command acknowledged the rebels’ demand in December 2015, the crisis would have been averted long ago. Congress may feel relieved today. But, they never know when the crisis would strike them again unless they change their approach.