Weeks after Arunachal governor JP Rajkhowa was asked to resign oh ‘health grounds’ by the Central government, President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday dismissed him from his post.
Read: Arunachal governor asked to resign, says he is “clueless”
A communiqué from Rashtrapathi Bhavan said Mr. Rajkhowa “shall cease to hold office” and that Meghalaya Governor V. Shanmuganathan would discharge the functions of the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, until regular arrangements were made.
Eralier when he was asked to step down, Rajkhowa had refused to abide by the directive and had said, “I have done nothing wrong. I don’t know the reason. I have served the people of Arunachal to the best of my ability, honesty and sincerity. People are very happy with me.”
His conduct had come in for severe criticism from the Supreme Court for advancing an Assembly session without advice from the Cabinet. His action had also resulted in imposition of President’s Rule and later the installation of a regime led by a Congress dissident.
In its judgment, the court restored the deposed government of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki. He resigned soon after returning to office to pave the way for Congress legislators to close ranks under Pema Khandu, the present Chief Minister.
After the verdict, it appears that the Centre had tried to prevail on him to demit office, citing medical grounds, by August 31. But he chose to ignore the advisory.
