Arunachal Pradesh: Four MLAs Join Ruling BJP Ahead Of Assembly, LS Polls; Congress Left Weaker In State

Arunachal Pradesh News: Four sitting MLAs, two from the National People's Party (NPP) and two others from Congress, in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly joined the state's ruling BJP on Sunday. The development comes ahead of the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections that are expected to be held simultaneously in the northeastern state later this year.

ALSO READ: 'Overflowing Emotions': PM Modi Dives Into Arabian Sea To Offer Prayers At Submerged Dwarka In Gujarat

Congress MLAs Ninong Ering, Wanling Lowangdong and NPP legislators Mutchu Mithi, Gokar Basar joined the BJP during a function at the saffron party's state headquarters in Itanagar. Besides Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Assam Minister and BJP's election in-charge for Arunachal Pradesh Ashok Singhal and state BJP President Biyuram Wahge were also present at the event.

The switch-over has brought the BJP's strength in the 60-member Arunachal Pradesh Assembly to 53 members. Notably, the NPP was already a part of the BJP-led ruling coalition in Arunachal Pradesh. The upcoming Assembly election in Arunachal Pradesh is likely to take place in April or May. With Sunday's joining, out of total 60 members in the state assembly, the Congress is left with two MLAs and as many Independent lawmakers remain in the House.

ALSO READ: Maratha Activist Jarange Accuses Maharashtra Dy CM Fadnavis Of Sabotaging Quota Stir, Threatens Protest Outside His Residence

In the 2019 Arunachal Pradesh Assembly election, the BJP won 41 and garnered 50.86% of the votes polled. The party subsequently formed its government in the state under CM Pema Khandu. In December 2020, the BJP's strength in the Assembly increased significantly when seven MLAs, six from the Janata Dal (United) and one from the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA), joined the party.

(With inputs from IANS)