Newly elected MLAs take oath in Arunachal Legislative Assembly's first session

The newly elected 60 MLAs of the Eighth Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh took their oaths during the first session held at the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly. This session marked the beginning of a new term under the Pema Khandu-led BJP government, which secured a dominant majority with 46 BJP MLAs out of 60.

In the election results, the BJP won 46 seats, NPP secured 5 seats, NCP got 3 seats, Congress secured 1 seat, PPA won 2 seats, and 3 seats went to Independent candidates. The oath-taking ceremony was presided over by Pasighat MLA Ninong Ering, a former Union Minister in the UPA regime, acting as the Protem Speaker.

Prior to this session, the Chief Minister Pema Khandu and his 11-member cabinet took their oaths in a ceremony attended by Union Ministers Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Kiren Rijiju, and the Chief Ministers of Assam and Sikkim. This marked a historic moment as the Arunachal Pradesh cabinet included a woman MLA, Dasanglu Pul, after a gap of 20 years. Dasanglu Pul, the wife of former CM Late Kalikho Pul, represents the Hayuliang assembly constituency of Anjaw district, which borders Myanmar and China.

The selection of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker is scheduled for the next session, with decisions to be made based on the majority consent of the MLAs. The newly elected MLAs expressed their enthusiasm about stepping into the legislative assembly, with 14 new faces joining this term.

After the oath-taking ceremony, the new cabinet ministers and Chief Minister Pema Khandu visited the BJP headquarters in Itanagar, where they were felicitated by BJP workers and leaders.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, new MLA Tseten Chombay Kee, representing the Kalaktang assembly constituency of West Kameng district, expressed his commitment to fulfilling the expectations of his constituents. "We have all been elected with the blessings of our citizens, and we will strive to achieve all-round development in our constituency and state," he said.

Kumar Waii, the lone Congress MLA, stood out in traditional Nyishi attire. Despite previous political setbacks, he won his constituency, Bameng, by defeating a BJP candidate. Waii expressed hope for collaborative efforts for the state's development. "I hope, despite political differences, we will work together to build a prosperous Arunachal where all sections of people live in peace and harmony," Waii stated.

Tsering Lhamu, a newly elected MLA from Lumla, praised the induction of a woman MLA into the cabinet. "This will encourage more women to take part in active politics," she said. Dasanglu Pul, the newly inducted female minister, expressed her gratitude to CM Pema Khandu and the BJP for promoting women's involvement in politics.

Namgey Tsering, a new MLA from Tawang representing the National Peoples Party, expressed his gratitude to his constituents. "Tawang is a beautiful place with a sensitive international border, and its development will lead to a better and more secure Arunachal," Tsering said.

Veteran MLA Techi Kaso of Itanagar urged his supporters to remain calm despite not being included in the cabinet. "Ministerial positions are limited, and it's the CM's prerogative to accommodate MLAs from 28 districts. A ministerial berth is a huge responsibility, and I appeal to everyone to support the BJP government in developing our capital," Kaso said.

The new assembly session marks a fresh start for Arunachal Pradesh's legislative efforts, with a focus on development and inclusivity.