"There is no alternative to the BJP-led coalition at the Centre and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee should be allowed to continue in the interest of the region," Apang, leader of the Arunachal Congress, told PTI.

While the Arunachal Congress leader's son Omak Apang is the party MP in the Lok Sabha, Rajkumar Wabgsa (Lok Sabha) and Nabam Rebia (Rajya Sabha) who were Arunachal Congress MPs, have switched over to the Arunachal Congress (M).

The Arunachal Congress (M), led by Chief Minister Mukut Mithi, is formally joining the Congress tomorrow. Apang came down heavily on the merger and described the Arunachal Congress (M) as a "group of opportunists".

"In 1996, we parted ways with the Congress due to its motivated campaign to misguide our people on Hajong and Chakma refugees. It is amazing that my former colleagues have decided tomerge with the same party," Apang said.

Meanwhile, the stage is set for the merger of the AC (M) and Congress tomorrow, with senior leaders including former Lok Sabha speaker P A Sangma, AICC general secretary in charge of North East Ambica Soni and Nagaland Chief Minister S C Jamir arriving here today.

The legislative wing of both parties would formally elect Mithi as the new Congress Legislatute Party leader this evening, party sources said.