BJP set to form Govt in Arunachal for third term with leads in over 42 seats
Itanagar: The ruling BJP is set to form a government for the third consecutive term in Arunachal Pradesh as it has won ten seats uncontested and is leading in over 30 other seats in the 60-member Assembly.
Counting of votes is in progress in 24 centres in 24 districts across the northeastern state on Sunday.
As per ECI, BJP candidates are leading 43 seats including Along (East), Along (West), Anini, Basar, Changlang (North), Changlang (South), Dambuk, Kalaktang, Koloriang, Lekang, Likabali (ST), Lumla, Nacho, Namsai, Nari Koyu (ST), Palin, Pongchau-Wakka.
The National People's Party (NPP) candidates are leading in six seats including Bordumsa-Diyun, Dirang, Liromoba, Rumgong, and Tawang.
The People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) candidates are leading in three seats -- Mebo, Nyapin and Tuting-Yingkiong seats; and Independent candidates are ahead in two seats -- Khonsa (East) and Thrizino-Buragaon. NCP is leading in four seats.
The Opposition's Congress candidate is leading in Miao seat while the Nationalist Congress Party is ahead in two seats -- Yachuli and Bordumsa-Diyun.
After the ruling BJP won 10 seats unopposed, elections for the remaining 50 Assembly seats were held on April 19 along with the Lok Sabha elections in two Parliamentary seats in the state -- Arunachal West and Arunachal East.
Ten BJP candidates, including Chief Minister Pema Khandu from Mukto Assembly seat, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein from Chowkham, senior party leader Techi Kaso from Itanagar, Nyato Dukam from Taliha, and Mutchu Mithi from Roing were earlier elected unopposed.
The five-year tenure of the outgoing 60-member Arunachal Pradesh Assembly expires on June 2.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Pawan Kumar Sain said that counting of votes started at 6 a.m. on Sunday, simultaneously in 24 counting centres (48 counting halls) in 24 districts under tight security measures.