Musical Chairs In Arunachal: Takam Pario Set To Become New CM

• * Pema Khandu, six MLAs ousted for trying to merge PPA with the BJP.
• * Takam Pario likely to become Arunachal CM.
• * Pario is considered a staunch opponent of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.

The richest legislator in Arunachal Pradesh, Takam Pario is likely to be the next Chief Minister, ruling party sources said.

The ruling Peoples' Party of Arunachal (PPA) in a sudden move on Thursday night removed incumbent Chief Minister Pema Khandu and six others for alleged anti-party activities. Khandu became the Chief Minister in July after switching over to PPA from the Congress.

The PPA was expected to declare Pario as its leader in the assembly as also the Chief Minister. The PPA temporarily suspended Khandu, his deputy Chowna Mein and five other legislators on disciplinary grounds. Ordering the suspensions, PPA President Kafia Bengia also announced removal of Khandu as the leader of the legislature party.

Pario, a businessman, is the younger brother of former Congress MP, Takam Sanjay and is seen as the principle rival to Union MoS for home Kiren Rijiju. The PPA has accused Khandu of using the party as a 'refueling' point for the BJP. However, he said the PPA is keen to contnue in the BJP-floated North East Democratic Alliance.