Northeast Desk, 14th February: Tensions rose in Arunachal Pradesh when reports surfaced of Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s purported visit to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, accompanied by two Congress and two NPP sitting MLAs, alongside BJP legislators. Sources suggest that these five MLAs may be contemplating a shift, with the possibility of an independent MLA also joining the group. However, CM Pema Khandu dismissed these claims, asserting that decisions regarding party affiliations and ticket allocations rest with the BJP high command, and he is unaware of any such developments.
Speculations abound regarding the potential defection of Wanglin Lowangdong (Congress MLA from Borduria-Bogapani), Gokar Basar (NPP MLA from Basar), Ninong Ering (Congress MLA from Pasighat), Chakat Aboh (Independent MLA from Khonsa West), and Mutchu Mithi (NPP MLA from Roing) to the BJP. Amidst these rumors, Gokar Basar, the NPP MLA from Basar, refuted the speculations in an exclusive interview with India Today. He cited the support garnered from six Zilla Parishad Members, 36 Gram Panchayat chairpersons, and various seniors and retired officers in his constituency.
Basar expressed willingness to consider joining the BJP if extended an invitation, citing his significant contributions to the development of the Basar constituency over the past five years. His achievements include the establishment of a boxing ring arena, street lighting infrastructure, a weekly market, school facilities, and hospitals. He highlighted Leparada’s pioneering implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme in the state and its commendable position nationally. Additionally, Basar underscored the district’s successful hosting of numerous sports events.
Accusing his opposition candidate of employing black money for campaigning, Basar suggested that apprehensions about his potential defection to the BJP may be driving these rumors.
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