Pema Khandu was sworn in today as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh for his third term, following a decisive victory by the BJP in the recent Assembly elections. The ceremony took place in Itanagar, with Arunachal Pradesh Governor KT Parnaik administering the oath.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were among the prominent figures present at the event.
Chowna Mein has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister. The new 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 widow of former Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, becomes the first woman minister in Arunachal Pradesh in decades.
The BJP won 46 out of 60 seats in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly during the recent elections, which were held alongside the general elections.
Khandu, who is 44 years old, began his first term as Chief Minister in 2016 when he replaced Nabam Tuki. Later that year, he led 43 MLAs in a shift from the Congress party to the BJP ally, People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA). Despite initial challenges, Khandu proved his majority in the Assembly after 33 PPA lawmakers joined the BJP. He successfully led the BJP to a significant victory in the 2019 Assembly elections and again in the recent polls.
After the election results were announced on June 3, Khandu expressed his gratitude to the people of Arunachal Pradesh on social media, thanking them for their continued support. He emphasized his commitment to working with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and striving for the state’s development and self-reliance.
