BJP announces 54 names for Arunachal Pradesh

GUWAHATI: The ruling BJP in Arunachal Pradesh has released a list of 54 candidates who will be contesting for the assembly elections on April 11. Chief Minister Pema Khandu will contest from his home constituency Mukto while the wife of former chief minister Kalikho Pul, Dasanglu Pul, will be fielded from Hayuliang assembly constituency. Dasanglu had won the seat in the 2016 by-election.

The state will hold simultaneous elections to the 60-member assembly and for two parliamentary seats. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein will contest from Chowkham.

Former state minister James Lowangcha Wanglet will contest from East Lok Sabha constituency. A four-time MLA, he has served as minister for finance and home. He is likely to face state unit BJP president Tapir Gao. Congress leader Ninong Ering, who won from East Lok Sabha seat in 2014, will contest the assembly polls and is likely to be fielded from Pasighat West constituency.


The Congress has decided to field former chief minister Nabam Tuki against Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju in Arunachal West Lok Sabha seat. Tuki was the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh between 2011 and 2016. Tuki had to face a banner of revolt in 2016 following which President’s Rule was imposed in the state.