In a surprising turn of events, the Congress party in Arunachal Pradesh faced a setback today as numerous party members, including the former state general secretary Numey Tayeng, defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This mass exodus occurred just one day before Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled visit to Itanagar as part of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra campaign.
Around 300 workers from Congress, the National People’s Party (NPP), and the People’s Party of Arunachal Pradesh joined the BJP in a ceremony held at the state BJP office in Itanagar. Senior BJP leaders, including Tarh Tarak, Taring Rai, Techi Necha, and Nalong Mize, presided over the joining ceremony, emphasizing their commitment to achieving a “Congress Mukt Arunachal Pradesh.”
Among the notable individuals who switched allegiance to the BJP alongside Numey Tayeng were Lupalam Kri, Former Chief Engineer; Dr. Mendep Perme, former District Medical Officer; Tsering Thongdok, Paha Mimi, Buglelum Tega, members of the former Zilla Parishad Council of Anjaw; Kamtok Lowang, Ex-MLA; Hangkhom Tesia, Incharge of District Congress Committee, Tirap district; Bajalum Kora, Congress Block President of Anjaw district; Rachna Yun, District Youth Congress President of Anjaw; and Nehuso Tabronyu, District President of the Aam Aadmi Party in Anjaw.
What adds intrigue to this political shuffle is Rahul Gandhi’s impending visit to Itanagar on January 20 as part of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra campaign. Scheduled to arrive via Gumto Gate-Doimukh-Nirjuli-Naharlagun, Rahul Gandhi is set to address public rallies at SDO Ground, Doimukh. Following this, a Padyatra from ‘0’ Point Tinali, Itanagar, to Matto Tarin Govt. Hr.Sec School Ground, ESS Sector, Itanagar, is planned, where Gandhi will engage with the public.
The political landscape in Arunachal Pradesh appears to be undergoing a significant transformation, setting the stage for a dynamic clash of ideologies and strategies, just as the Congress leader embarks on his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in the state.
