Itanagar: In a significant political development, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Arunachal Pradesh received a boost ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, with two Congress MLAs and an equal number of legislators from the National People’s Party (NPP) officially joining its ranks. This strategic move has altered the composition of the 60-member Assembly, with both Congress and NPP now reduced to two MLAs each.
The joining ceremony took place at the BJP headquarters in Itanagar, where senior Congress MLA and former union minister Ninong Ering, representing the Pasighat West seat, and Wanglin Lowangdong from the Borduria-Bogapani constituency embraced the saffron party. In a parallel move, NPP’s Mutchu Mithi, holding the Roing seat, and Gokar Basar from the Basar constituency also became integral parts of the BJP. Chief Minister Pema Khandu presided over the event, expressing his satisfaction with the growing support for the party.
Welcoming the new members, CM Pema Khandu emphasised, “Their joining of the party is a testament to their faith in the principles of good governance championed by PM Narendra Modi Ji. Honourable PM’s transformative leadership, centred around the motto ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’, has brought about positive change across the country. Their inclusion will further fortify our base in their respective constituencies and Arunachal Pradesh.”
Following this development, the BJP now commands a majority with 53 MLAs in the Assembly, while three independent MLAs provide additional support to the government. This consolidation of political power comes at a crucial time as the northeastern state prepares for simultaneous Lok Sabha elections and assembly polls later this year. The BJP’s strengthened position sets the stage for an intriguing electoral landscape in Arunachal Pradesh, with the party poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s political future.
The Congress party faces a significant setback as one of its senior-most leaders, MLA, and former minister Ninong Ering, has made a decisive switch to the BJP. Known for his vocal stance and extensive experience, Ering’s departure marks a substantial loss for the Congress, especially considering his influential role within the party. His decision to align with the saffron party is expected to further weaken the Congress ahead of the upcoming general elections. Ering’s defection underscores the evolving political dynamics in Arunachal Pradesh and adds a challenging dimension for the Congress as it navigates the electoral landscape, grappling with the departure of a key figure whose contributions have been integral to the party’s standing in the state.
