ITANAGAR, Jan 9: The leadership of Gegong Apang, who ruled this Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh for about two decades, was challenged today when seven ministers belonging to the Nyishi community resigned from the Cabinet, throwing the state, known for political stability, into a crisis.The ministers told a press conference that their move was in response to a call for quit by the Nyishi elite society, the apex body of the community's intellectual and youth organisations, and the All-Nyishi Students Union, because the chief minister had failed to rise to the expectations of the people and their community. The initial crisis started after the last Lok Sabha elections when the Arunachal Congress wrested the two Lok Sabha seats from the Indian National Congress.Dissident activities followed and seven senior ministers were dropped by Apang with the induction of six new faces in his ministry.In the 60-member House, the Arunachal Congress has 44 members while 11 Independents became the associatemembers. The remaining five were left in the INC. The ministers announced their resignation when the chief minister was away on a visit to Lohit district today.Political analysts here predict that within a day or two a clear picture will emerge as the dissidents are likely to form a separate group before they join any other party or try to form a ministry with a change in the leadership in the Arunachal Congress. Of the seven, four are Cabinet ministers Kameng Dolo (PWD, building), Nabam Tuki (transport and civil aviation), Hari Natung (health and family welfare), and Medhi Dodum (horticulture).Takam Sanjay (law and justice), Kahfa Bengia (textile and handicraft), and Bida Taku (sports and youth affairs) are the Ministers of State who quit the 37-member Apang ministry. Apang is to complete his fourth successive term as chief minister next year.
