Why four MLAs in Arunachal dumped NPP to join indigenous People's Party of Arunachal

In a significant political shift in Arunachal Pradesh, four MLAs elected on National People's Party (NPP) tickets have switched allegiance to the People's Party of Arunachal (PPA), the state's oldest indigenous regional party. The move, however, is being described by the leaders themselves as apolitical and driven by grassroots considerations.

Leading the shift is Namgey Tsering, newly elected MLA from Tawang, who emphasised that the decision was not motivated by political rivalry or dissatisfaction with the NPP. 

Speaking to India Today, Tsering said, “We don’t have any grudge towards NPP and are, in fact, grateful to the party for giving newcomers like us the opportunity to contest the elections. Our decision to join PPA is purely non-political. We felt that being part of a homegrown party would allow for better access and coordination within the state.”

Citing communication gaps as a key reason behind the departure, Tsering added, “PPA has a deep grassroots presence. We apologise to the NPP high command for this shift, but it was a collective and conscious decision taken by four of us.”

Also Read: NPP faces major blow as four MLAs defect to People's Party of Arunachal

The legislators involved in this political shift include Namgey Tsering from 2-Tawang; Pesi Jilen from 27-Liromoba; Tapi Darang from 38-Pasighat East; and Oni Panyang from 40-Mariyang-Geku; all originally elected on NPP tickets.

Welcoming the new entrants, PPA President and Doimukh MLA Nabam Vivek also reiterated that the move should not be seen through a political lens. “I personally respect and admire NPP chief Conrad Sangma's leadership. I, too, had contested from an NPP ticket in 2019. There is no personal grudge or political message here. The decision by the new MLAs to join PPA is based on their desire for better communication and engagement at the state level,” he told India Today.

Importantly, both NPP and PPA continue to support the Pema Khandu-led BJP government in Arunachal Pradesh. Vivek reaffirmed that the alliance remains intact and there is no rift between the parties at the policy or ideological level.

The development underscores the fluid nature of political alignments in Arunachal, where regional identity and grassroots connectivity continue to play a decisive role in shaping leadership choices—even when they come at the cost of national party affiliations.