Four MLAs from Congress, NPP join BJP in Arunachal Pradesh ahead of polls

GUWAHATI: Four sitting legislators in Arunachal Pradesh–two from the opposition Congress and two from National People's Party (NPP)--joined the ruling BJP on Sunday. Elections to the 60-member state Assembly are likely to take place along with Lok Sabha polls in April or May.

Opposition Congress legislators Ninong Ering, Wangling Lowangdong and NPP members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) Mutchu Mithi, Gokar Basar joined the BJP in the presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu at a function at the BJP's Itanagar office.

The NPP is an ally of the ruling BJP in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.


With this, the strength of the BJP and its allies in the state Assembly has increased to 56, while the Congress’ has been reduced to two. The remaining two are independent members.

Besides the chief minister, Assam minister and BJP's election in-charge for Arunachal Pradesh Ashok Singhal and state president Biyuram Wahge were also present during the joining ceremony.