President’s Rule has been lifted from Arunachal Pradesh. The step comes after the Supreme Court cleared the decks for the revocation of Central rule in the northeastern border state as it vacated its own order of status quo. The apex court took the step after being satisfied with the Guwahati High Court order staying the disqualification of the 14 rebel Congress MLAs. The development is seen as a major setback to the ousted Nabam Tuki-led Congress government in the state as the Supreme Court cleared way for government formation there.

The Union Cabinet had recommended the withdrawal of President’s rule in Arunachal Pradesh. President’s Rule was imposed in Arunachal Pradesh on January 26 following political instability in the state. The apex court on January 29 had issued a notice to the Centre and Governor over the imposition of President’s Rule in Arunachal Pradesh and posted the matter for hearing on February 1, 2016.

The constitutional crisis in Arunachal Pradesh became one of the biggest political challenges for the Modi government. The Opposition had charged the BJP government of impropriety in precipitating matters.