Senior leader Tarun Chugh announced that Pema Khandu was sworn in as Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh for a third consecutive term, following his unanimous election as the BJP Legislature Party Leader at a meeting in Itanagar on Wednesday.
Khandu and his newly appointed council of ministers were sworn in at the Dorjee Khandu Convention Hall in Itanagar on Thursday. The ceremony was graced by Union Ministers Amit Shah and JP Nadda, along with several chief ministers from northeastern states, among others.
#WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Ministers JP Nadda, Kiren Rijiju and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma attend the swearing-in of Arunachal Pradesh CM-designate Pema Khandu. pic.twitter.com/MViCmJhVIs
— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2024
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In addition to Khandu, BJP MLA Chowna Mein took oath as Deputy Chief Minister. Other party legislators Biyuram Wahge, Nyato Dukam, Gabriel D Wangsu, Wangki Lowang, PD Sona, Mama Natung, Dasanglu Pul, Balo Raja, Kento Jini, and Ojing Tashing also assumed office as Ministers in the Arunachal government.
The BJP secured a third consecutive term in Arunachal Pradesh, capturing 46 out of 60 assembly seats. Khandu, aged 45, retained his Mukto seat in Tawang district without facing any opposition.
In the assembly polls held concurrently with the Lok Sabha elections on April 19, Khandu campaigned on promises of corruption-free governance, stressing transparency and policies centered around the people.
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Pema Khandu: Beyond Politics
In his two terms as Chief Minister, Khandu rose as a prominent leader in the northeastern state, particularly after a constitutional crisis in 2016 led to the imposition of president’s rule.
Renowned for his passion for sports and music, Khandu is acknowledged for his strategic acumen, pivotal in propelling the BJP to its inaugural victory in the northeastern state neighboring China in 2016.
His political career began amidst personal tragedy following the untimely death of his father, former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, in a helicopter crash in 2011. Khandu’s rise in politics gained momentum when he won a by-election uncontested from his father’s constituency Mukto.
Initially serving as the tourism minister in Nabam Tuki’s Congress government, Khandu’s leadership trajectory took a significant turn after a constitutional crisis in January 2016 necessitated the imposition of president’s rule.
After central rule was lifted, he joined the Kalikho Pul-led government supported by the BJP. However, this government was short-lived, and Tuki returned as Chief Minister following Supreme Court intervention.
Khandu later assumed office as Chief Minister in July 2016, at the age of 37. In 2019, he was re-elected from the Mukto assembly seat and resumed his role as Chief Minister without political impediments.
A devout Buddhist, Khandu is celebrated for his cultural contributions, particularly in music, which extend beyond his political career.
Known for his passion for music, he captivates audiences with performances of classic songs by Kishore Kumar and Mohammad Rafi during official gatherings.
Khandu is deeply involved in sports, organizing cricket tournaments and backing local athletes to foster talent in football, cricket, badminton, and volleyball.
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He graduated in history from Delhi’s Hindu College and hails from the Monpa tribe, predominantly residing in Tawang and parts of West Kameng.
