Strength of Pema Khandu-led BJP Govt in Arunachal increases to 54, after 3 MLAs of NCP (Ajit Pawar) extend support

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The Pema Khandu-led BJP government in Arunachal Pradesh is growing stronger every day, as MLAs from other parties have extended their support just six days after the government was formed.

The strength of the government in Arunachal Pradesh has increased to 54 today after all three MLAs of the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) extended unconditional support to it.

The NCP (Ajit Pawar) MLAs who extended their support to BJP are -Nikh Kamin, Likha Soni, and Toko Tatung.

Nikh Kamin of NCP won the Bordumsa-Diyun seat defeating Somlung Mossang of BJP.

Likha Soni won the Lekang seat defeating BJP’s Chow Sujana Namchoom while Toko Tatung won the Yachuli seat defeating BJP’s Taba Tedir.

The trio submitted their letter of support to Chief Minister Pema Khandu at his office today.

This comes just days after three independent MLAs–Laisam Simai, Wanglam Sawin and Tenzin Nima Glow and two MLAs of the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA)–Nabam Vivek and Oken Tayeng also extended their unconditional support to the BJP government in the state.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu took to X and thanked the NCP (Ajit Pawar) MLAs for their support.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble MLAs from the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar), Shri Nikh Kamin Ji, Shri Likha Soni Ji, and Shri Toko Tatung Ji, for their unconditional support to the BJP Government in Arunachal Pradesh. The MLAs handed over their letter of support during their call on. Your commitment and cooperation are greatly appreciated. Together, we will continue to work towards the development and prosperity of Arunachal Pradesh,” CM Khandu posted on X.

https://x.com/PemaKhanduBJP/status/1803326962338804102

Pema Khandu was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh for the third consecutive term after the BJP registered a victory in 46 out of the 60 Assembly seats. Elections for these seats were held on April 19.

The BJP had already won 10 seats uncontested. On June 2, votes were counted for the remaining 50 Assembly seats, of which the BJP won 36 seats, the National People’s Party (NPP) won five, while the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP secured three seats.

Additionally, the PPA won two seats, and the opposition Congress party won one seat.

The NPP and NCP are constituent partners of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).

With the additional support from the three independent MLAs, two PPA MLAs, and three NCP (Ajit Pawar) MLAs, the strength of the Pema Khandu government now stands at 54.

It may be noted here that Congress MLA Kumar Waii is now the only member of the opposition in the 60-member Arunachal Legislative Assembly after MLAs of NCP (Ajit Pawar), PPA and Independent MLA extended support to BJP and the 5 MLAs from the NPP are part of North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).

Also Read: Congress MLA Kumar Waii left as lone opposition in 60-member strong Arunachal Assembly