Arunachal Assembly Election 2024: CM Pema Khandu files nomination from Mukto, reiterates pledge to work for people

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu is all ready to fight the ensuing Assembly Election even as he is looking for a third stint as the Chief Minister of the frontier state bordering China.

CM Khandu filed his nomination papers today, 2 days after the notification for the Assembly Elections was issued on March 20.

Flanked by a sea of supporters as well as party MLAs, CM Khandu today filed his nomination for the Mukto assembly constituency, a seat traditionally represented by his late father Dorjee Khandu, who was the Chief Minister of Arunachal from 2007-11.

Pema Khandu has been representing the Mukto seat since 2011 after the demise of Dorjee Khandu in a chopper crash that year.

Sharing his thoughts after filing his nomination, CM Khandu is a post on X wrote, “A special day as I filed my nomination paper as a candidate for 3-Mukto (ST) Assembly constituency. I am humbled by the overwhelming support and encouragement from all corners.”

CM Khandu also posted expressing his desire to serve the people and pave way for development. The Arunachal CM wrote, “I am committed to working tirelessly for the welfare and progress of every citizen, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met.
Gratitude for your trust and support 🙏”

CM Khandu also addressed party leaders and supporters after he filed his nomination.

“Happy to be among well wishers, friends and family members. An interaction today with public leaders and well wishers at Jang, after filing my nomination for the upcoming Assembly election.
Thanks Hon Min Bamang Felix Ji, Hon Min Tage Taki Ji, Hon MLA Smt Tsering Lhamu Ji, DokAA Chairperson Jambey Wangdi la and others for your kind presence.”

In the 2019 assembly election, Pema Khandu had defeated Thupten Kunphen of the Congress by a margin of 2619 votes.

Until now no party has declared a candidate against Pema Khandu. The Congress had announced the names of 34 candidates for the Assembly Election but the party has not fielded any candidate from the Mukto constituency.

In 2011 and 2014, Pema Khandu won the seat unopposed as a Congress candidate. In September 2016 he left Congress and joined Peoples Party of Arunachal (PPA). In three months he left PPA and in December 2016 he joined BJP and was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh on 17 July 2016 following a year-long power struggle between former CMs Nabam Tuki (Cong) and Kalikho Pul (PPA).