Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu ranked as India's fourth-richest chief minister and the wealthiest in the Northeast, with declared assets totalling Rs 332.56 crore, according to a report released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). Based on self-sworn election affidavits of all 31 sitting CMs across 28 states and three Union Territories, the report identified Khandu as one of just four billionaire chief ministers in India. Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio holds the fifth spot nationally with declared assets of Rs 46.95 crore, followed by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma at Rs 35.16 crore. Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma has reported assets worth Rs 14.06 crore, while Tripura CM Manik Saha's declared assets stand at Rs 13.90 crore.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/child-marriage-still-exists-in-india-in-2026-ncw-sets-2030-deadline-to-end-it-1785485550409">Child marriage still exists in India in 2026? NCW sets 2030 deadline to end it</a><h3>Report highlights CMs with liabilities</h3>Among other northeastern chief ministers, Sikkim CM PS Tamang declared assets worth Rs 6.69 crore, Mizoram CM Lalduhoma Rs 4.13 crore, and Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh Rs 2.38 crore. In addition, the report also highlighted liabilities of chief ministers reporting Khandu of Rs 180.27 crore, the second highest nationwide after Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar. Meanwhile, Himanta Biswa Sarma ranked as the third CM with liabilities of Rs 16.86 crore. The ADR analysis reveals that India's chief ministers hold average declared assets of Rs 118.07 crore, with four of them qualifying as billionaires. Together, the 31 chief ministers have reported total assets amounting to Rs 3,660 crore, alongside an average annual self-declared income of Rs 6.54 crore. The findings also show that 14 out of 31 chief ministers (45 per cent) have pending criminal cases against them, with 11 (35 per cent) facing serious criminal charges. Additionally, the report highlights a significant gender gap, noting that 97 per cent of chief ministers nationwide are men, with just one woman currently holding the position. &nbsp;

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio holds the fifth spot nationally with declared assets of Rs 46.95 crore, followed by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma at Rs 35.16 crore, Meghalaya CM Sangma at Rs 14.06 crore and Tripura CM Manik Saha's declared assets stand at Rs 13.90 crore.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu ranked as India's fourth-richest chief minister and the wealthiest in the Northeast, with declared assets totalling Rs 332.56 crore, according to a report released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). Based on self-sworn election affidavits of all 31 sitting CMs across 28 states and three Union Territories, the report identified Khandu as one of just four billionaire chief ministers in India. Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio holds the fifth spot nationally with declared assets of Rs 46.95 crore, followed by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma at Rs 35.16 crore. Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma has reported assets worth Rs 14.06 crore, while Tripura CM Manik Saha's declared assets stand at Rs 13.90 crore. Also read: Child marriage still exists in India in 2026? NCW sets 2030 deadline to end it Report highlights CMs with liabilities Among other northeastern chief ministers, Sikkim CM PS Tamang declared assets worth Rs 6.69 crore, Mizoram CM Lalduhoma Rs 4.13 crore, and Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh Rs 2.38 crore. In addition, the report also highlighted liabilities of chief ministers reporting Khandu of Rs 180.27 crore, the second highest nationwide after Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar. Meanwhile, Himanta Biswa Sarma ranked as the third CM with liabilities of Rs 16.86 crore. The ADR analysis reveals that India's chief ministers hold average declared assets of Rs 118.07 crore, with four of them qualifying as billionaires. Together, the 31 chief ministers have reported total assets amounting to Rs 3,660 crore, alongside an average annual self-declared income of Rs 6.54 crore. The findings also show that 14 out of 31 chief ministers (45 per cent) have pending criminal cases against them, with 11 (35 per cent) facing serious criminal charges. Additionally, the report highlights a significant gender gap, noting that 97 per cent of chief ministers nationwide are men, with just one woman currently holding the position.

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio holds the fifth spot nationally with declared assets of Rs 46.95 crore, followed by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma at Rs 35.16 crore, Meghalaya CM Sangma at Rs 14.06 crore and Tripura CM Manik Saha's declared assets stand at Rs 13.90 crore.

Arunachal CM Pema Khandu ranks India's 4th richest CM, wealthiest in Northeast: ADR report

After China announced the construction of the world's largest hydropower dam in Tibetan territory on the Brahmaputra River (known as the Yarlung Zangbo River), it sparked concerns from India and Bangladesh. In response, Beijing has issued an explicit statement defending the dam project, calling it a clean energy development and a matter of national sovereignty.&nbsp;"To build the hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River is fully within China's sovereignty," the official statement said. "The project aims to speed up clean energy development, improve local people's lives, and proactively respond to climate change," the official added.&nbsp;The announcement has raised concern in downstream nations such as India and Bangladesh about potential ecological disruption and water flow control. However, China claims that the development is being done with a high sense of responsibility in handling cross-border rivers and that the project meets the highest national industrial standards.&nbsp;"The planning, design, and construction... strictly follow the highest national industrial standards. The project puts a lot of emphasis on all-round ecological conservation, stays away from multiple environmentally sensitive areas, and vows to preserve the original ecosystem to the largest extent possible," the statement further added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">To build the hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River is fully within China’s sovereignty. The project aims to speed up clean energy development, improve local people’s life, and proactively respond to climate change. China acts with a high sense of… <a href="https://t.co/9myFqIsUHw">pic.twitter.com/9myFqIsUHw</a>&mdash; CHINA MFA Spokesperson 中国外交部发言人 (@MFA_China) <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_China/status/1947961982608691656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>What is India's stance?</h3>China maintained that the dam will not negatively impact downstream areas. Instead, it ensured that the hydropower facility would support disaster mitigation efforts along the river. Concluding the statement, China said that it is collaborating with downstream nations with necessary communication on the project in response to enhanced cooperation for the benefit of all people along the river basin.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has described the dam as a "ticking water bomb" and a serious threat to existence. “Setting aside the military threat from China, it seems to me that this is a far bigger issue than anything else. It is going to cause an existential threat to our tribes and our livelihoods. It is quite serious because China could even use this as a sort of 'water bomb',” Indian news agency PTI quoted Khandu as saying.&nbsp;However, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma downplayed any immediate threat from the project and said that the Brahmaputra is not completely dependent on the Yarlung Zangbo for its flow. "I am not immediately worried because the Brahmaputra is a mighty river, and it is not dependent on a single source of water," Sarma said.&nbsp;The announcement was made by Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Saturday (July 19, 2025) for the construction of the dam in the lower areas of the Brahmaputra River, locally known as Yarlung Zangbo, at Nyingchi City, situated close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the vicinity of Arunachal Pradesh.

The announcement of the development of a dam on the Brahmaputra River has raised serious concerns for India and Bangladesh. However, China claimed that the project aims to speed up clean energy development and improve local people's lives.

After China announced the construction of the world's largest hydropower dam in Tibetan territory on the Brahmaputra River (known as the Yarlung Zangbo River), it sparked concerns from India and Bangladesh. In response, Beijing has issued an explicit statement defending the dam project, calling it a clean energy development and a matter of national sovereignty. "To build the hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River is fully within China's sovereignty," the official statement said. "The project aims to speed up clean energy development, improve local people's lives, and proactively respond to climate change," the official added. The announcement has raised concern in downstream nations such as India and Bangladesh about potential ecological disruption and water flow control. However, China claims that the development is being done with a high sense of responsibility in handling cross-border rivers and that the project meets the highest national industrial standards. "The planning, design, and construction... strictly follow the highest national industrial standards. The project puts a lot of emphasis on all-round ecological conservation, stays away from multiple environmentally sensitive areas, and vows to preserve the original ecosystem to the largest extent possible," the statement further added.

The announcement of the development of a dam on the Brahmaputra River has raised serious concerns for India and Bangladesh. However, China claimed that the project aims to speed up clean energy development and improve local people's lives.

China defends construction of world's largest hydropower dam on Brahmaputra river, Claims no downstream damage

Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, said on Wednesday that China's proposed dam near the border will prove to be a ticking water bomb for India. In an interview, he said that the dam, billed as the world's largest dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, the Tibetan name for the Brahmaputra river, will be an existential threat to New Delhi because Beijing isn't a signatory to international water treaties.&nbsp;Khandu said China can't be trusted, as no one can predict what it might end up doing. He said Beijing may use the dam as a water bomb against India.&nbsp;"Setting aside the military threat from China, it seems to me that this is a far bigger issue than anything else. It is going to cause an existential threat to our tribes and our livelihoods. It is quite serious because China could even use this as a sort of 'water bomb'," he told PTI.&nbsp;China approved the construction of the mega dam in 2024. The $137 billion project will take five years to complete, and it will produce 60,000 MW of power.&nbsp;Khandu said it might not be an issue for India if China had signed the international water treaty. He said several areas of the state would be inundated if Beijing decides to release the water suddenly.&nbsp;"But China is not a signatory, and that is the problem... Suppose the dam is built and they suddenly release water, our entire Siang belt would be destroyed. In particular, the Adi tribe and similar groups... would see all their property, land, and especially human life, suffer devastating effects," he said.&nbsp;To counter China's project, the Chief Minister said, the Arunachal Pradesh government has conceived a project called the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, which will serve as a defence mechanism and ensure water security.&nbsp;"I believe China is either about to start or has already started work on their side. But they do not share any information. In the long run, if the dam is completed, our Siang and Brahmaputra rivers could dry up considerably," he said.&nbsp;For India's water security, he said, if the government can complete its project as planned, it will be able to meet the water requirements from its dam.&nbsp;He further said that if China releases water, India will be able to contain the flooding with its dam. He said the state government has been holding discussions with the local tribes over the project.

Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, said on Wednesday that China's proposed dam near the border will prove to be a ticking water bomb. 

Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, said on Wednesday that China's proposed dam near the border will prove to be a ticking water bomb for India. In an interview, he said that the dam, billed as the world's largest dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, the Tibetan name for the Brahmaputra river, will be an existential threat to New Delhi because Beijing isn't a signatory to international water treaties. Khandu said China can't be trusted, as no one can predict what it might end up doing. He said Beijing may use the dam as a water bomb against India. "Setting aside the military threat from China, it seems to me that this is a far bigger issue than anything else. It is going to cause an existential threat to our tribes and our livelihoods. It is quite serious because China could even use this as a sort of 'water bomb'," he told PTI. China approved the construction of the mega dam in 2024. The $137 billion project will take five years to complete, and it will produce 60,000 MW of power. Khandu said it might not be an issue for India if China had signed the international water treaty. He said several areas of the state would be inundated if Beijing decides to release the water suddenly. "But China is not a signatory, and that is the problem... Suppose the dam is built and they suddenly release water, our entire Siang belt would be destroyed. In particular, the Adi tribe and similar groups... would see all their property, land, and especially human life, suffer devastating effects," he said. To counter China's project, the Chief Minister said, the Arunachal Pradesh government has conceived a project called the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, which will serve as a defence mechanism and ensure water security. "I believe China is either about to start or has already started work on their side. But they do not share any information. In the long run, if the dam is completed, our Siang and Brahmaputra rivers could dry up considerably," he said. For India's water security, he said, if the government can complete its project as planned, it will be able to meet the water requirements from its dam. He further said that if China releases water, India will be able to contain the flooding with its dam. He said the state government has been holding discussions with the local tribes over the project.

Pema Khandu said China can't be trusted, as no one can predict what it might end up doing. He said Beijing may use the dam as a water bomb in case of a conflict with India.

China can unleash 'water bomb' but Arunachal has a 'counter' plan | Details inside

Pema Khandu has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh for the third time.

At the swearing-in ceremony in&nbsp;Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh governor KT Parnaik administered the oath to Khandu.

Watch it here:

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Pema Khandu takes oath as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. <a href="https://t.co/413tSLcgrY">pic.twitter.com/413tSLcgrY</a>
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The ceremony, as per reports, was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, ministers JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

<h2>Arunachal Pradesh's new cabinet</h2>

Khandu's swearing in comes weeks after the Bharatiya Janata Party swept the eastern Indian state's assembly polls.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/odishas-new-bjp-government-keeps-its-promise-opens-all-four-gates-of-jagannath-temple-in-puri-731330">Odisha's new BJP government keeps its promise, opens all four gates of Jagannath Temple in Puri</a>

The ceremony, as per reports, was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, ministers JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Khandu's swearing in comes weeks after the Bharatiya Janata Party swept the eastern Indian state's assembly polls.

Along with him, eleven members of his cabinet were also sworn in during the ceremony in Itanagar.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-murmu-rejects-mercy-petition-of-red-fort-attack-let-convict-mohammed-arif-731239">President Murmu rejects mercy petition of Red Fort attack LeT convict Mohammed Arif</a>

Chowna Mein will serve as the Deputy Chief Minister in Khandu’s new cabinet. The other cabinet members include Biyuram Waghe, Nyato Dukam, Ganriel Denwang Wangsu, Wanki Lowang, Pasang Dorjee Sona, Mama Natung, Dasanglu Pul, Balo Raja, Kento Jini, and Ojing Tasing.&nbsp;

Notably, Dasanglu Pul, the wife of former Chief Minister late Kalikho Pul, becomes the first woman minister in Arunachal Pradesh in decades.

The BJP secured 46 out of the 60 seats in the Arunachal Assembly during the state elections, held concurrently with the general election.

Khandu, 44, initially started his tenure as Chief Minister in 2016, replacing Nabam Tuki. A former Congress leader, Khandu led 43 MLAs in switching from Congress to the People's Party of Arunachal (PPA), a BJP ally, later that year. Following a series of dramatic political developments, the PPA leadership suspended Khandu, prompting him to prove his majority in the Assembly. Subsequently, 33 PPA lawmakers joined the BJP, solidifying his position.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pema Khandu has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh for the third time. At the swearing-in ceremony in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh governor KT Parnaik administered the oath to Khandu.

Pema Khandu has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh for the third time. At the swearing-in ceremony in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh governor KT Parnaik administered the oath to Khandu. Watch it here: #WATCH | Pema Khandu takes oath as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/413tSLcgrY — ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2024 × The ceremony, as per reports, was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, ministers JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Arunachal Pradesh's new cabinet Khandu's swearing in comes weeks after the Bharatiya Janata Party swept the eastern Indian state's assembly polls. Also read | Odisha's new BJP government keeps its promise, opens all four gates of Jagannath Temple in Puri The ceremony, as per reports, was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, ministers JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Khandu's swearing in comes weeks after the Bharatiya Janata Party swept the eastern Indian state's assembly polls. Along with him, eleven members of his cabinet were also sworn in during the ceremony in Itanagar. Also read | President Murmu rejects mercy petition of Red Fort attack LeT convict Mohammed Arif Chowna Mein will serve as the Deputy Chief Minister in Khandu’s new cabinet. The other cabinet members include Biyuram Waghe, Nyato Dukam, Ganriel Denwang Wangsu, Wanki Lowang, Pasang Dorjee Sona, Mama Natung, Dasanglu Pul, Balo Raja, Kento Jini, and Ojing Tasing. Notably, Dasanglu Pul, the wife of former Chief Minister late Kalikho Pul, becomes the first woman minister in Arunachal Pradesh in decades. The BJP secured 46 out of the 60 seats in the Arunachal Assembly during the state elections, held concurrently with the general election. Khandu, 44, initially started his tenure as Chief Minister in 2016, replacing Nabam Tuki. A former Congress leader, Khandu led 43 MLAs in switching from Congress to the People's Party of Arunachal (PPA), a BJP ally, later that year. Following a series of dramatic political developments, the PPA leadership suspended Khandu, prompting him to prove his majority in the Assembly. Subsequently, 33 PPA lawmakers joined the BJP, solidifying his position. (With inputs from agencies)

Pema Khandu takes oath as Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh for third time

Speaking to WION in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that the Department of Personnel and Training(DOPT) is working on a concept note to provide a separate cadre for the state of Arunachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

The DOPT is being headed by Jitendra Singh. This story was first reported by WION when Pema Kahndu had made the demand <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-time-zones-for-india-arunachal-pradesh-cm-pema-khandu-agrees-16728">for a separate cadre </a>for the state. Pema Kahndu told WION that the absence of a permanent cadre leads to a lack of institutional memory which adversely affects developmental activity as officers get transferred out within two or three years.&nbsp;

“Arunachal Pradesh is very diverse. There are 28 major tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes with many languages and hundreds of dialects. Sometimes even I take time to comprehend issues. Then how do you expect a bureaucrat to understand everything in two to three years,” Chief Minister Pema Khandu felt.

This is one of the few steps that this remote state of the Indian Union is taking to integrate into the national mainstream. For years, it was treated as a buffer state. Its isolation was a security necessity. Today a lot of development is taking place in Arunachal Pradesh which surprises many people. The state seems to be making its presence felt in various sectors, but two prominent sectors are tourism and roads.

&nbsp;

Arunachal Pradesh has more tourist festivals than any other state in the country. The state successfully organizes five major tourist festivals a year. They are the Tawang festival, Orange festival, Zero festival, Bascon festival and adventure at Mechuka. Through these festivals, outsiders can taste authentic eastern food and even the local brew called Chang. Interestingly, Tawang is not only a music festival but also allows tourists to sample their village life. Apart from the stunning natural view, it is also a gastronomic delight.

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Tawang is located at the height of 3,000 metres&nbsp;with nearly 40,000 people who visit the festival which has acquired an iconic status. It's remoteness and rich Buddhist history makes it a big draw with both domestic and international tourists. Apart from this, the new Bom la pass is another added attraction. But this town also comes with its irony.

The town of Tawang does not have a sewer system whereas the whole town area is a litter free zone and smoking in public places is prohibited. It is cleaner than most of the tourist hotspots in the Himalayas which struggles to cope with the plastic menace. Chief Minister Pema Khandu says that he started these festivals when he was the tourism minister to promote easy tourism for multiple audiences.&nbsp;

Arunachal Pradesh for all its life had a unique road system. However, the state was not internally connected. One had to come back to Assam to go to other parts of Arunachal Pradesh. The 1962 debacle further cemented the attitude. The idea was to thwart a Chinese invasion mountain by mountain by not allowing them easy access to any part of the state. This is changing slowly.

Arunachal Pradesh is trying to complete a trans-Arunachal project which is 1,700 km long and connects the state internally. Jitendra Narain, Resident Principal Commissioner of AP in Delhi said, "We are trying to tie up with the issue of delay because the terrain is very difficult and is prone to being washed away. There is a stretch of 300 km which we are working upon,"&nbsp;he said.

The Frontier Highway Project and East-West Industrial Corridor are also in the pipeline. These projects would undo years of keeping Arunachal Pradesh as a buffer. The projects will not undo the problem immediately but will mitigate travel hardship which the people of the state undergo.

The case is an example of the desire to connect Tawang with an airport and a railway line. A road trip from Guwahati to Tawang can be anywhere between 14 to 16 hours. Another option is a helicopter which is entirely dependent on weather. A rail track can change everything.

The survey is expected to end by 2020 but the track would have 35 tunnels and one tunnel could be as long as 28 km long. Similarly, a patch of land is also being surveyed for an airport in Tawang. &nbsp;The state is also opening up to various foreign countries. The US government with UC Berkeley&nbsp;is working in 70 villages in Arunachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

“The idea is to create smart villages and ensure niche market for unique products like textiles. Very soon these products will enter the market,” says Pema Khandu.

There are pending issues also. Bhutan operates&nbsp;half-hour earlier than the Indian Standard Time(IST) but Arunachal Pradesh which is further east to Bhutan works&nbsp;on IST. It leads to wastage of precious daylight time which countries across the world exploit to up their efficiency levels and reduce electricity costs.

Speaking to WION in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that the Department of Personnel and Training(DOPT) is working on a concept note to provide a separate cadre for the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Speaking to WION in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that the Department of Personnel and Training(DOPT) is working on a concept note to provide a separate cadre for the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The DOPT is being headed by Jitendra Singh. This story was first reported by WION when Pema Kahndu had made the demand for a separate cadre for the state. Pema Kahndu told WION that the absence of a permanent cadre leads to a lack of institutional memory which adversely affects developmental activity as officers get transferred out within two or three years. “Arunachal Pradesh is very diverse. There are 28 major tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes with many languages and hundreds of dialects. Sometimes even I take time to comprehend issues. Then how do you expect a bureaucrat to understand everything in two to three years,” Chief Minister Pema Khandu felt. This is one of the few steps that this remote state of the Indian Union is taking to integrate into the national mainstream. For years, it was treated as a buffer state. Its isolation was a security necessity. Today a lot of development is taking place in Arunachal Pradesh which surprises many people. The state seems to be making its presence felt in various sectors, but two prominent sectors are tourism and roads. Arunachal Pradesh has more tourist festivals than any other state in the country. The state successfully organizes five major tourist festivals a year. They are the Tawang festival, Orange festival, Zero festival, Bascon festival and adventure at Mechuka. Through these festivals, outsiders can taste authentic eastern food and even the local brew called Chang. Interestingly, Tawang is not only a music festival but also allows tourists to sample their village life. Apart from the stunning natural view, it is also a gastronomic delight. Tawang is located at the height of 3,000 metres with nearly 40,000 people who visit the festival which has acquired an iconic status. It's remoteness and rich Buddhist history makes it a big draw with both domestic and international tourists. Apart from this, the new Bom la pass is another added attraction. But this town also comes with its irony. The town of Tawang does not have a sewer system whereas the whole town area is a litter free zone and smoking in public places is prohibited. It is cleaner than most of the tourist hotspots in the Himalayas which struggles to cope with the plastic menace. Chief Minister Pema Khandu says that he started these festivals when he was the tourism minister to promote easy tourism for multiple audiences. Arunachal Pradesh for all its life had a unique road system. However, the state was not internally connected. One had to come back to Assam to go to other parts of Arunachal Pradesh. The 1962 debacle further cemented the attitude. The idea was to thwart a Chinese invasion mountain by mountain by not allowing them easy access to any part of the state. This is changing slowly. Arunachal Pradesh is trying to complete a trans-Arunachal project which is 1,700 km long and connects the state internally. Jitendra Narain, Resident Principal Commissioner of AP in Delhi said, "We are trying to tie up with the issue of delay because the terrain is very difficult and is prone to being washed away. There is a stretch of 300 km which we are working upon," he said. The Frontier Highway Project and East-West Industrial Corridor are also in the pipeline. These projects would undo years of keeping Arunachal Pradesh as a buffer. The projects will not undo the problem immediately but will mitigate travel hardship which the people of the state undergo. The case is an example of the desire to connect Tawang with an airport and a railway line. A road trip from Guwahati to Tawang can be anywhere between 14 to 16 hours. Another option is a helicopter which is entirely dependent on weather. A rail track can change everything. The survey is expected to end by 2020 but the track would have 35 tunnels and one tunnel could be as long as 28 km long. Similarly, a patch of land is also being surveyed for an airport in Tawang. The state is also opening up to various foreign countries. The US government with UC Berkeley is working in 70 villages in Arunachal Pradesh. “The idea is to create smart villages and ensure niche market for unique products like textiles. Very soon these products will enter the market,” says Pema Khandu. There are pending issues also. Bhutan operates half-hour earlier than the Indian Standard Time(IST) but Arunachal Pradesh which is further east to Bhutan works on IST. It leads to wastage of precious daylight time which countries across the world exploit to up their efficiency levels and reduce electricity costs.

Opening up of Arunachal Pradesh

Pema Khandu was sworn-in as the 10th Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday.

"It is a historic day for the state as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-wins-41-seats-in-60-member-arunachal-pradesh-assembly-221510">BJP could install a government on its own</a>," Khandu said and asserted that his government would be clean, transparent and corruption-free.

Along with him, eleven other cabinet members, including Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also took an oath.

State Governor Brig (Retd) BD Mishra administered the oath of office and secrecy to Khandu at a function organised at the Dorjee Khandu Convention Centre here.

Khandu thanked the people of the state and also announced that his priorities would be improvement in law and order, health and education sectors.

"Our government will explore every possible avenue to provide employment opportunities to the unemployed youths and will invite outside investors to invest in state's potential sectors for gainful employment of local youths," Khandu said.

Khandu will be travelling to New Delhi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister on May 30.

Pema Khandu was sworn-in as the 10th Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday. "It is a historic day for the state as the BJP could install a government on its own," Khandu said and asserted that his government would be clean, transparent and corruption-free.

Pema Khandu was sworn-in as the 10th Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday. "It is a historic day for the state as the BJP could install a government on its own," Khandu said and asserted that his government would be clean, transparent and corruption-free. Along with him, eleven other cabinet members, including Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also took an oath. State Governor Brig (Retd) BD Mishra administered the oath of office and secrecy to Khandu at a function organised at the Dorjee Khandu Convention Centre here. Khandu thanked the people of the state and also announced that his priorities would be improvement in law and order, health and education sectors. "Our government will explore every possible avenue to provide employment opportunities to the unemployed youths and will invite outside investors to invest in state's potential sectors for gainful employment of local youths," Khandu said. Khandu will be travelling to New Delhi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister on May 30.

Pema Khandu sworn in as Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister

Pema Khandu will take oath as Arunachal Pradesh chief minister on May 29, Bharatiya Janata Party's&nbsp;Kiren Rijiju tweeted.

''I extend my gratitude to all the elected BJP MLAs of Arunachal Pradesh for unanimously selecting Pema Khandu ji as the leader of BJP Legislature Party. Hearty congratulations to @PemaKhanduBJP ji who will be sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh on 29th May 2019,'' Rijiju tweeted.

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I extend my gratitude to all the elected BJP MLAs of Arunachal Pradesh for unanimously selecting Pema Khandu ji as the leader of BJP Legislature Party. Hearty congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/PemaKhanduBJP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PemaKhanduBJP</a> ji who will be sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh on 29th May 2019. <a href="https://t.co/UQYpvrvz6T">pic.twitter.com/UQYpvrvz6T</a>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1132962025150136321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-wins-41-seats-in-60-member-arunachal-pradesh-assembly-221510">Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won 41 seats</a> in the 60-member Arunachal Pradesh Assembly.

The Janata Dal (United) won seven seats, the National People's Party (NPP) five, the Congress four, the People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) one and Independents two.

Among the prominent BJP winners are Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who won from the Mukto seat, bordering China, for the third time in a row. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein won from the Chowkham constituency.

In Miao constituency, state Geology and Mining Minister and BJP nominee Kamlung Mossang beat Chatu Longai of the Congress by 3,856 votes to retain the seat.

In the prestigious Tawang seat, BJP candidate Tsering Tashi trounced veteran Congress leader Thupten Tempa by a margin of 3,592 votes.

(With inputs from PTI)

Pema Khandu will take oath as Arunachal Pradesh chief minister on May 29, Bharatiya Janata Party's Kiren Rijiju tweeted. ''I extend my gratitude to all the elected BJP MLAs of Arunachal Pradesh for unanimously selecting Pema Khandu ji as the leader of BJP Legislature Party.

Pema Khandu will take oath as Arunachal Pradesh chief minister on May 29, Bharatiya Janata Party's Kiren Rijiju tweeted. ''I extend my gratitude to all the elected BJP MLAs of Arunachal Pradesh for unanimously selecting Pema Khandu ji as the leader of BJP Legislature Party. Hearty congratulations to @PemaKhanduBJP ji who will be sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh on 29th May 2019,'' Rijiju tweeted. I extend my gratitude to all the elected BJP MLAs of Arunachal Pradesh for unanimously selecting Pema Khandu ji as the leader of BJP Legislature Party. Hearty congratulations to @PemaKhanduBJP ji who will be sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh on 29th May 2019. pic.twitter.com/UQYpvrvz6T — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) May 27, 2019 × The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won 41 seats in the 60-member Arunachal Pradesh Assembly. The Janata Dal (United) won seven seats, the National People's Party (NPP) five, the Congress four, the People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) one and Independents two. Among the prominent BJP winners are Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who won from the Mukto seat, bordering China, for the third time in a row. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein won from the Chowkham constituency. In Miao constituency, state Geology and Mining Minister and BJP nominee Kamlung Mossang beat Chatu Longai of the Congress by 3,856 votes to retain the seat. In the prestigious Tawang seat, BJP candidate Tsering Tashi trounced veteran Congress leader Thupten Tempa by a margin of 3,592 votes. (With inputs from PTI)

Arunachal Pradesh: Pema Khandu to take oath as chief minister on May 29

Arunachal's CM convoy caught with Rs.1.8 Cr cash, Congress releases video

Arunachal Pradesh on Monday found a place on the aviation map of the country as the state's first commercial flight with Chief Minister Pema Khandu among 25 passengers on board, landed at Pasighat Advance Landing Ground in East Siang district.

The 42-seater ATR aircraft of the Alliance Airlines touched down at Pasighat airport around 2.15 pm after 1.5-hour journey from the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport in Guwahati.

"Landed safely at Pasighat airport few minutes ago flying from Guwahati on Alliance Air. Proud to be part of this historic moment. I am extremely thankful to PM @narendramodi ji and @MoCA_GoI for connecting Arunachal with airways (sic)," the CM tweeted minutes after landing at the airport.

He also shared pictures of the aircraft along with its crew on his Twitter handle.

Addressing a gathering at Pasighat, Khandu said, "It is a history in making. With this commercial flight, new vistas of economic development have opened in the region. Besides, the flight services will also open up ample opportunities for the tourism industry".

Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Air India, will operate flight services on the Calcutta-Guwahati-Pasighat route thrice a week - on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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Landed safely at Pasighat airport few minutes ago flying from Guwahati on Alliance Air. Proud to be part of this historic moment. I am extremely thankful to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji and <a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoCA_GoI</a> for connecting Arunachal with airways. <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> <a href="https://t.co/jRUZWABjmX">pic.twitter.com/jRUZWABjmX</a>
— Pema Khandu (@PemaKhanduBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/PemaKhanduBJP/status/998498228722130946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Arunachal has enormous potential for generating hydro-power and producing a wide range of horticultural and agricultural products, but communication has always been a bottleneck in the state, Khandu said.

"Now, with the launch of the commercial flight, tourists from other states and foreign countries will be able to visit the picturesque locales of the state," he said.&nbsp;

Expressing hope that the new airport would also open avenues for economic development, the CM said if the decks were cleared for cargo aircraft in the near future, the indigenous products of the state could also be sold to other parts of the country.&nbsp;

Khandu also said that another airport at Tezu in Lohit district will be made operational shortly.

"Besides, Zoom Airlines is scheduled to introduce its services in the state soon," he added.

Arunachal Pradesh has about 120 helipads and 10 advanced landing grounds, built for defence as well as civil purposes.&nbsp;

Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Air India, will operate flight services on the Calcutta-Guwahati-Pasighat route thrice a week - on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Arunachal Pradesh on Monday found a place on the aviation map of the country as the state's first commercial flight with Chief Minister Pema Khandu among 25 passengers on board, landed at Pasighat Advance Landing Ground in East Siang district. The 42-seater ATR aircraft of the Alliance Airlines touched down at Pasighat airport around 2.15 pm after 1.5-hour journey from the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport in Guwahati. "Landed safely at Pasighat airport few minutes ago flying from Guwahati on Alliance Air. Proud to be part of this historic moment. I am extremely thankful to PM @narendramodi ji and @MoCA_GoI for connecting Arunachal with airways (sic)," the CM tweeted minutes after landing at the airport. He also shared pictures of the aircraft along with its crew on his Twitter handle. Addressing a gathering at Pasighat, Khandu said, "It is a history in making. With this commercial flight, new vistas of economic development have opened in the region. Besides, the flight services will also open up ample opportunities for the tourism industry". Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Air India, will operate flight services on the Calcutta-Guwahati-Pasighat route thrice a week - on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Landed safely at Pasighat airport few minutes ago flying from Guwahati on Alliance Air. Proud to be part of this historic moment. I am extremely thankful to PM @narendramodi ji and @MoCA_GoI for connecting Arunachal with airways. @PMOIndia @BJP4India pic.twitter.com/jRUZWABjmX — Pema Khandu (@PemaKhanduBJP) May 21, 2018 × Arunachal has enormous potential for generating hydro-power and producing a wide range of horticultural and agricultural products, but communication has always been a bottleneck in the state, Khandu said. "Now, with the launch of the commercial flight, tourists from other states and foreign countries will be able to visit the picturesque locales of the state," he said. Expressing hope that the new airport would also open avenues for economic development, the CM said if the decks were cleared for cargo aircraft in the near future, the indigenous products of the state could also be sold to other parts of the country. Khandu also said that another airport at Tezu in Lohit district will be made operational shortly. "Besides, Zoom Airlines is scheduled to introduce its services in the state soon," he added. Arunachal Pradesh has about 120 helipads and 10 advanced landing grounds, built for defence as well as civil purposes.

CM Pema Khandu among 25 passengers on board first flight to Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh made headlines when reports of its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/arunachal-pradeshs-siang-river-turns-black-flows-as-the-blackened-brahmaputra-in-assam-25522" target="_blank">Siang river turning black</a> garnered mass attention. WION previously reported on the growing distress among the locals in Arunachal Pradesh and a mass appeal -- led by Ninong Ering, Congress MP from the east Constituency -- urging the central government to take immediate action.&nbsp;

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has also intervened and sought help. According to an ANI report, Khandu has urged the centre to take immediate action on the worsening state of Siang river.&nbsp;

&quot;I have personally monitored the condition of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/siang-river-in-arunachal-turns-black-mp-suspects-chinas-involvement-25440" target="_blank">Siang river</a>. Yes, it is a matter of concern and the water is badly polluted. The water pollution has damaged the marine life. I have also asked the Deputy Commissioners of the state to submit a report on it soon,&quot; ANI quoted Khandu. The Chief Minister has also forwarded his petition to the central government.&nbsp;

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It is thought construction in Tibet (China) is to blame. (WION Web Team)
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Siang, a constituent river of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-assams-brahmaputra-river-also-turns-black-report-25476" target="_blank">Brahmaputra</a>, starts its course from Tibet -- where it is called the Yarlung Tsangpo -- and travels down to Arunachal Pradesh from where it flows to Assam and comes to be known as the Brahmaputra. It flows from a 1,600 kilometre stretch in southern Tibet before entering India.&nbsp;

China has been blamed for the change in colour

Arunachal Pradesh made headlines when reports of its Siang river turning black garnered mass attention. WION previously reported on the growing distress among the locals in Arunachal Pradesh and a mass appeal -- led by Ninong Ering, Congress MP from the east Constituency -- urging the central government to take immediate action. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has also intervened and sought help. According to an ANI report, Khandu has urged the centre to take immediate action on the worsening state of Siang river. "I have personally monitored the condition of Siang river. Yes, it is a matter of concern and the water is badly polluted. The water pollution has damaged the marine life. I have also asked the Deputy Commissioners of the state to submit a report on it soon," ANI quoted Khandu. The Chief Minister has also forwarded his petition to the central government. It is thought construction in Tibet (China) is to blame. (WION Web Team) × Siang, a constituent river of the Brahmaputra, starts its course from Tibet -- where it is called the Yarlung Tsangpo -- and travels down to Arunachal Pradesh from where it flows to Assam and comes to be known as the Brahmaputra. It flows from a 1,600 kilometre stretch in southern Tibet before entering India.

Arunachal river turns black: CM urges centre to take immediate action

Arunachal Pradesh&rsquo;s chief minister Pema Khandu told WION that northeast should have a separate time zone.&nbsp;He is the second chief minister after former Assam CM Tarun Gogoi who also wanted to introduce a separate time zone for the northeast.&nbsp;

&ldquo;A separate time zone for northeast would save working day light-time and save electricity,&rdquo; said BJP chief minister Pema Khandu.

Indian Standard Time(IST) is calculated on the basis of 82.5 E longitude, in Shankargarh Fort, in Mirzapur near Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh.

India&rsquo;s geographical spread from the east to west is vast and there is a&nbsp;huge difference between sunset and sunrise time in eastern and western parts of the country.&nbsp;

In order to increase productivity, tea gardens in northeast also follow their separate time zone as &ldquo;Tea Garden Time&rdquo; or baagaan(garden) time.

There are different views on the issue as many experts feel the cost of saving electricity wouldn&rsquo;t be much and it could lead to chaos in a densely populated country like India. The change could also affect the transportation network like the railways.&nbsp;

But this was not the case when the British ruled India. The British had divided India into Bombay time zone, Calcutta time zone and Baagaan&nbsp;time zone.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;United States which extends 4800 km from east to west has nine different time zones. On the other hand, India with a 3000 km landmass from east to west has just&nbsp;one time zone.

Successive governments have tried to resolve this issue but have failed to arrive at a solution. 
&nbsp;

CM Pema Khandu is the second chief minister after former Assam CM Tarun Gogoi who also wanted to introduce a separate time zone for the northeast

Arunachal Pradesh’s chief minister Pema Khandu told WION that northeast should have a separate time zone. He is the second chief minister after former Assam CM Tarun Gogoi who also wanted to introduce a separate time zone for the northeast. “A separate time zone for northeast would save working day light-time and save electricity,” said BJP chief minister Pema Khandu. Indian Standard Time(IST) is calculated on the basis of 82.5 E longitude, in Shankargarh Fort, in Mirzapur near Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh. India’s geographical spread from the east to west is vast and there is a huge difference between sunset and sunrise time in eastern and western parts of the country. In order to increase productivity, tea gardens in northeast also follow their separate time zone as “Tea Garden Time” or baagaan(garden) time. There are different views on the issue as many experts feel the cost of saving electricity wouldn’t be much and it could lead to chaos in a densely populated country like India. The change could also affect the transportation network like the railways. But this was not the case when the British ruled India. The British had divided India into Bombay time zone, Calcutta time zone and Baagaan time zone. The United States which extends 4800 km from east to west has nine different time zones. On the other hand, India with a 3000 km landmass from east to west has just one time zone. Successive governments have tried to resolve this issue but have failed to arrive at a solution.

Two time zones for India? Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu agrees

The chief minister of India&#39;s northeast state of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, orchestrated a mass exodus from People&#39;s Party of Arunachal to join the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The defection of 33 lawmakers, including Khandu&#39;s, means that Arunachal Pradesh becomes the first state in the Northeast to have a full-fledged BJP government.

The frenzied development took place two days&nbsp;after&nbsp;People&#39;s Party of Arunachal suspended Khandu, his deputy Chowna Mein and five legislators from the primary membership of the party for alleged anti-party activities.

The PPA had picked&nbsp;Takam Pario to be the new chief minister of the state.&nbsp;

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We have joined BJP today, definitely it is a full fledged BJP Govt in the state now: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu <a href="https://t.co/ocJPicgxCo">pic.twitter.com/ocJPicgxCo</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/815148073672282112">December 31, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Khandu admitted that his suspension accelerated the exodus but added that they were anyways in the process of joining the BJP.&nbsp;

&quot;Altogether 33 MLAs including me and the Speaker are now BJP, and my government is now a full-fledged BJP government,&rdquo; chief minister Pema Khandu told a posse of reporters on Saturday, Indian Express reported.

&quot;Lotus has finally bloomed in Arunachal. The people of the state will see a new dawn of development in the new year under the new government,&quot; Khandu further said.

PPA, which had 43 lawmakers before the exodus, are now left with just 10.

BJP, which is also the ruling party at the Centre in New Delhi, had 12 lawmakers -- and two independent lawmakers supporting them -- in the state assembly before the frenzied development took place on Saturday.

The BJP tally will be bolstered further as two of the three lawmakers who were with the Congress will also joined the party. It means that BJP -- which is looking to shed its earlier image of primarily being limited to northern India -- will have 49 lawmakers in the 60-seat state assembly.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

The state's chief minister and 32 other lawmakers have left the erstwhile ruling party PPA to join the Bharatiya Janata Party

The chief minister of India's northeast state of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, orchestrated a mass exodus from People's Party of Arunachal to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. The defection of 33 lawmakers, including Khandu's, means that Arunachal Pradesh becomes the first state in the Northeast to have a full-fledged BJP government. The frenzied development took place two days after People's Party of Arunachal suspended Khandu, his deputy Chowna Mein and five legislators from the primary membership of the party for alleged anti-party activities. The PPA had picked Takam Pario to be the new chief minister of the state. We have joined BJP today, definitely it is a full fledged BJP Govt in the state now: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu pic.twitter.com/ocJPicgxCo — ANI (@ANI_news) December 31, 2016 × Khandu admitted that his suspension accelerated the exodus but added that they were anyways in the process of joining the BJP. "Altogether 33 MLAs including me and the Speaker are now BJP, and my government is now a full-fledged BJP government,” chief minister Pema Khandu told a posse of reporters on Saturday, Indian Express reported. "Lotus has finally bloomed in Arunachal. The people of the state will see a new dawn of development in the new year under the new government," Khandu further said. PPA, which had 43 lawmakers before the exodus, are now left with just 10. BJP, which is also the ruling party at the Centre in New Delhi, had 12 lawmakers -- and two independent lawmakers supporting them -- in the state assembly before the frenzied development took place on Saturday. The BJP tally will be bolstered further as two of the three lawmakers who were with the Congress will also joined the party. It means that BJP -- which is looking to shed its earlier image of primarily being limited to northern India -- will have 49 lawmakers in the 60-seat state assembly. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Arunachal govt changes party hands after mass defection

A day after suspending Pema Khandu, the People&#39;&#39;s&nbsp;Party of Arunachal (PPA) is likely to elect Takam Pario as the new chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh.

Takam Pario, public health engineering department (PHED) minister, is likely to be the next Arunachal Pradesh CM, said PPA President Kahfa Bengia.

In fast-paced developments, the PPA, late on Thursday night, temporarily suspended Khandu, deputy chief minister Chowna Mein, and five other MLAs from the party for alleged anti-party activities.

The five other MLAs are Jambey Tashi (Lumla), Passang Dorjee Sona (Mechuka), Chow Tewa Mein (Chowkham), Zingnu Namchom (Namsai), and Kamlung Mossang (Miao).

PPA President Kahfa Bengia&nbsp;stated in an order that by virtue of the power vested in him by the party&#39;s constitution and the resolution adopted in the state executive committee meeting on December 20, the MLAs&#39; primary membership of the party has been suspended with immediate effect pending initiation of disciplinary proceedings.

Bengia said he was prima facie satisfied with the proof of their indulgence in gross &quot;anti-party&quot; activities.

The order further stated that with the suspension, Khandu had ceased to be the leader of the PPA legislature party.

He directed party MLAs and PPA functionaries not to attend any meeting called by Khandu and said any members failing to comply with the order would face disciplinary action by the party.

(This report first appeared in DNA)

The current chief minister, Pema Khandu, was suspended by how own party late Thursday night

A day after suspending Pema Khandu, the People''s Party of Arunachal (PPA) is likely to elect Takam Pario as the new chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh. Takam Pario, public health engineering department (PHED) minister, is likely to be the next Arunachal Pradesh CM, said PPA President Kahfa Bengia. In fast-paced developments, the PPA, late on Thursday night, temporarily suspended Khandu, deputy chief minister Chowna Mein, and five other MLAs from the party for alleged anti-party activities. The five other MLAs are Jambey Tashi (Lumla), Passang Dorjee Sona (Mechuka), Chow Tewa Mein (Chowkham), Zingnu Namchom (Namsai), and Kamlung Mossang (Miao). PPA President Kahfa Bengia stated in an order that by virtue of the power vested in him by the party's constitution and the resolution adopted in the state executive committee meeting on December 20, the MLAs' primary membership of the party has been suspended with immediate effect pending initiation of disciplinary proceedings. Bengia said he was prima facie satisfied with the proof of their indulgence in gross "anti-party" activities. The order further stated that with the suspension, Khandu had ceased to be the leader of the PPA legislature party. He directed party MLAs and PPA functionaries not to attend any meeting called by Khandu and said any members failing to comply with the order would face disciplinary action by the party. (This report first appeared in DNA)

India: Takam Pario likely to be next Arunachal chief minister

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