Arunachal: PPA dominates with 33 unopposed wins in Mebo panchayat polls, BJP gets 9

Pasighat: Out of the 125 total Gram Panchayat Member (GPM) seats under the 39th Mebo (ST) Assembly Constituency in Arunachal Pradesh, 45 seats were declared elected unopposed on Saturday after the deadline for withdrawal of candidature closed.

Of the 45 elected unopposed, the Peoples’ Party of Arunachal (PPA) secured 33 seats, while the BJP won 9 and Independents won 2 seats.

A total of 80 GPM seats will now be contested among various parties, with both BJP and PPA fielding candidates in all seats. Other parties like the INC, NPP and Independents are also eyeing opportunities to win several seats.

No candidate was elected unopposed in the ZPM seats, making the election tougher and more competitive, as all candidates and their parties have intensified campaigning after the withdrawal deadline.

After the withdrawal of two candidates for the ZPM seat under Monggu Banggo-II, four candidates — Nangkong Pangging (PPA), Neena Megu (BJP), Raja Yirang (NPP), and Sinador Perme (Independent) — are putting in extensive efforts to win the seat.
At Monggu Banggo-I, a seat reserved for women, only two candidates — Bapiyang Tayeng (PPA) and Gegul Perme (BJP) — are contesting directly.
At Mebo Banggo-I, four candidates are in the fray: Amping Ratan (PPA), Aili Borang (BJP), Mukseng Megu (NPP), and Oti Tayeng (Independent).
While at Mebo Banggo-II, Bomken Tayeng (PPA), Gongkom Tayeng (BJP), and Apaying Perme (INC) are vying for the seat.

With the strong wave of support the PPA enjoyed in the last assembly election against the BJP, the unopposed wins on Saturday have given the party a significant boost, which may impact the results of the remaining 80 GPM and 4 ZPM seats.

However, some locals not directly associated with the election believe the PPA’s earlier momentum may have limited impact on the ZPM contests, particularly at Mebo Banggo-I and Monggu Banggo-II. They feel BJP candidates in these segments may outperform the PPA candidates due to better candidate selection.

PPA, on the other hand, is trying to bridge the gap, as the third and fourth ZPM candidates were originally from the party but dissented over ticket allocation. At Mebo Banggo-II and Monggu Banggo-I, PPA is still considered likely to win due to strong candidate selection.

In a circular issued on Sunday, the ADC-cum-Returning Officer, Mebo, directed all uncontested candidates to collect their respective election certificates on Monday at 3 PM from the ADC-RO office in Mebo.

Meanwhile, Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng expressed deep appreciation to party leaders, workers, and candidates for securing 33 out of the 45 unopposed seats.

He also conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the people, supporters, and well-wishers of the 39th Mebo Assembly Constituency for their continued support to him and his leadership.