Cong defectors join en masse, Arunachal BJP ‘tastes’ power

All the Congress defectors in Arunachal, currently members of the ruling coalition, have decided to join the BJP en masse. BJP spokesman Khiren Rijju said the decision was taken by Congress (D) at a meeting yesterday.

A small number which opposed the move might join the NCP led by P.A. Sangma. BJP sources have confirmed that 37 of the 38 Congress(D) legislators have committed to join the BJP. The lone voice of dissent has been that of Fisheries Minister J.P. Takam. If the merger comes about, the BJP will find itself in power without a single MLA.

In New Delhi, Congress spokesperson S. Chaturvedi charged the BJP with luring the defectors: ‘‘This is a dangerous development in the sensitive border state.”