Arunachal minister denies party support for colleague’s controversial statement in local polls

Arunachal Pradesh’s political space continues to heat up ahead of the December 15 Panchayat and Municipal elections, as state minister Pasang Dorjee Sona dismissed allegations levelled against the Arunachal CM Pema Khandu as politically motivated.
 
Speaking to India Today NE, Sona said the charges lacked logic and that, with the matter currently under the consideration of the Supreme Court, he would refrain from further comment.

Reacting to remarks by Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ojing Tasing, who had allegedly threatened denial of government schemes to areas not voting for the BJP, Sona distanced the party from such claims. He said that the controversial statement reflected Tasing’s personal opinion and could not be interpreted as the BJP’s official policy.

Also Read: Arunachal: Tight contest between BJP and NCP ahead of Bordumsa Zilla Parishad polls

The controversy erupted after Tasing, while campaigning in the Lower Dibang Valley district, reportedly asserted that villages and segments in which BJP candidates lose would not receive development schemes. The remarks instantly drew sharp backlash for allegedly using development programmes as leverage during the election period, when the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in force.

The alleged threat, which surfaced during a campaign for BJP Zilla Parishad candidate Gunu Linggi, sparked questions over democratic fairness and institutional respect. Critics argue that such statements undermine the core purpose of the MCC, which exists to ensure a fair playing field and prevent those in power from using public resources to influence voters.

The dispute has intensified political tensions in the state, with observers waiting to see whether the State Election Commission or the courts take cognisance of the matter.