Congress mourns tragic demise of Kalikho

New Delhi, Aug. 9 (ANI): Congress party leaders on Tuesday expressed their grief over the death of former Arunachal chief minister Kalikho Pul, who was found hanging at the chief minister's official residence, which he had not vacated yet. Congress leader Ambika Soni told ANI, "I was left in complete shock for some time and the incident is a very saddening one. I am really sorry over the incident and don't know what might be the reasons behind this." Congress leader Renuka Choudhary said, "It is extremely unfortunate on people who have contributed to this country, such an incident is definitely sad to hear." Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi said, "It is an extremely sad moment, we did not expect this decision of the former chief minister, Mr. Pul." "I believe the politics in north east has lost a young leader. It is very difficult to do politics in the north east, there are lots of challenges, so when he had taken the step to enter politics I am sure he had long dreams and huge expectations from Arunachal Pradesh, those dreams remain unfulfilled. Our prayers are with his family who must be going through a very tough time. We must do whatever to support his family at their time of grief and sadness," he told ANI. Pul was found hanging at the chief minister's residence in Itanagar on Tuesday morning. In a setback to Pul, the Supreme Court had earlier on July 13 restored the Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh, declaring the actions of Governor J.P. Rajkhowa "illegal" and "violative of the constitutional provisions". Congress rebel Kalikho Pul had formed a government with the help of 21 Congress rebels and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs, ousting the Nabam Tuki-led government in the state. Arunachal Pradesh was placed under President's Rule on January 26. Pul had earlier on July 14 claimed the support of majority MLAs of the state. Parading 36 MLAs in front of the media, Pul had asserted that he had the support of 43 members of the Arunachal Assembly, which has a total strength of 60. Pul was the chief minister for around four months after the state was placed under President's Rule following a series of dramatic developments, which witnessed the Congress government being voted out by party rebels along with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). (ANI)