Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday staged a dramatic exodus of Congress lawmakers and joined a BJP ally, leaving only one member with the ruling party.“We have all decided to and joined the PPA today (Friday) morning in the larger interest of Arunachal Pradesh. Since the PPA is already part of NEDA, we think that is the best option to work for the larger interest and overall development of the state,” Arunachal Pradesh deputy chief minister Chowna Mein.

PPA chairperson Kameng Ringu said the Congress MLAs joining his party was waiting to happen. "It is a homecoming after a temporary exile," Ringu told reporters after the surprising political development in Arunachal Pradesh. The Congress has 44 legislators in the house of 60. The only Congress MLA who has not defected is former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki.

Asked for the reasons behind the development, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said that for a resource-starved state like Arunachal, it is necessary to be with a bigger party to get more development funds from the Centre. However, Mr. Tuki, who was out of the station, could not be contacted for his comments. The PPA had ruled the State for a brief period from March 3 to July 13 this year under Pul. Earlier the PPA had formed the government in 1979 when Tomo Riba was the Chief Minister. Mr. Riba, who took oath on September 18, 1979, ruled the State for 46 days before being deposed on November 3, 1979.