The high-voltage political drama revolving around the resignation of two Congress MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh came to an end today with Speaker Tenzing Norbu Thongdok restoring their membership in the sixth Legislative Assembly. The Supreme Court, while disposing a review petition filed by Congress MLAs Wanglam Sawin and Gabriel D Wangsu pertaining to their membership in Assembly, had stated that parties involved have agreed to the effect that the matter can be remanded to the Speaker so that it can be decided afresh after hearing the concerned parties. Sawin and Wangsu will continue as members of the Assembly from the date of their election as though nothing interrupted their membership in the House and they are entitled to their salary, allowances, pension and other amenities from the date they were denied these pecuniary and other benefits,” Thongdok said. With the restoration of Sawin and Wangsu as members of the Assembly, the number of Congress candidates rose to three in a House of 60, while People’s Party of Arunachal has 43 MLAs, the BJP has 11 and there are two Independent members. The Hayuliang seat fell vacant after Kalikho Pul committed suicide on August 9 last.

Source: Hindustan Times September 23, 2016 12:11 UTC