The death of former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Kalikho Pul comes as a shock. The state has been in political turmoil since he broke away from the Congress in February to form a government with support of the BJP. The political tables were turned against him after the Supreme Court verdict and he was still living at the chief minister’s residence
when his body was discovered hanging by the neck from a ceiling fan. His death sparked riots and his supporters refused to allow the family to conduct the last rites. An inquiry
has been demanded by supporters who suspected foul play. The 41-year-old Pul was an example of hard work, determination and the will to succeed. He started out as a casual labourer,
learnt carpentry, built bamboo houses, became a contractor
and was eventually sworn-in as chief minister of the state.
One might the question the manner in which he attained the
top post, but one cannot discount his rise from poverty to the
apex of political power. His death will leave a political vacuum
in the state and the three-day mourning declared by the
government is a fitting tribute to his spirit. May his soul rest
in peace.
