2019 election the worst in Arunachal history?

By: Ami Natung

Although Arunachal Pradesh is considered one of the most peaceful states of Northeast India, however, in recent years the state ha suffered a lot and has experienced extreme violence due to illogical and in sense time decisions made by our political leaders.

Yes, the 2019 election in Arunachal Pradesh can be considered the worst election ever conducted because there was much violence and crime committed by the party supporters. Allegations of violence, booth capturing and other corrupt practices have ensured another round of re polls after the re-poll after the re-polls were affected by the same practices. The have reached in such a pitch that it is now dubbed as the 'darkest ' in the state history. Eventually , the state has become a battleground.

Various political leaders contesting the election accused the opposition party of using the members of various Naga armed political groups for interfering in the election process. It is said that on march 30, two party workers of the National People's Party were abducted by Naga under ground militants and beaten mercilessly. The Arunachal Pradesh NPP has accused the BJP of hiring the Naga underground militants to target non-BJP candidates. In short , this election witnessed many blame games from both the opposition parties.

In Seppa East Kaming district, many people were injured during the violence that took place by the supporters of both the opposition candidates that is Tapuk Taku and G Mangfic. Such fights and violence was not only limited to this area but in different parts and districts of Arunachal such as Kara Dadi , Kurung Kumey, and Papum Pori district. This violence usually takes place when one of the party thinks that the party they are in support of is going to loose. The people then become aggressive because they often asks for jobs from the politicians in exchange of their vote some big contracts and tenders. This election witnessed many deaths and abductions.

One of the major factors which may have contributed to the election crisis is the current BJP government. This began when Dorjee Khandu's reign as the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, but after Jarbom Gamlin became the CM and since the decision was not satisfactory, the Nyishi student union protested and made Jarbom Gamlin resign his seat, then Nabam Tuki was elected as the CM and after a few years of being the CM, there was a huge corruption scandal against him. Then, Kalikho Pul become the CM and due to extreme pressure upon him he decided take his own life and after that, the current CM of Arunachal Pema Khandu came to power without an actual election.

Just before the election month, there was a huge hue and cry by the indigenous people of Arunachal due to the grant of PRC to non-APSTs in Lekang district, but as the election approached the same people was fought for their right in PRC issue supported the political leaders who were willing to grant the PRC to non-APST all because of money, jobs and contract offers.

This election also witnessed booth capturing and breaking of the ballot box and there are still same places were re-polling is not yet done. Children of seven-eight years were allowed to vote and double voting was very common.

With all that took place as stated above, yes, it can be considered the worst election ever conducted in the history of Arunachal Pradesh.