After the end of the last day of withdrawal of nominations on Thursday, altogether 190 candidates representing various political parties remain in the fray for the remaining 57 assembly constituencies. Three candidates, namely, Taba Tedir, Kento Jini and Phurpa Tsering from the BJP, representing Yachuli, Aalo East and Dirang assembly constituencies, respectively, have been declared unopposed winners. The battle is expected to be intense in several constituencies. Top leaders, including Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy CM Chowna Mein, former CMs Nabam Tuki and Gegong Apang, and APCC president Takam Sanjoy are in the fray.
Unlike the previous elections when the ruling party won easily, this time the election is expected to witness close fights. Many heavyweights are fighting the election from opposition parties like the Congress, the NPP, the JD(U), the PPA and the JD(S). Khandu himself is facing contest for the first time. So far, he has been elected unopposed twice. The next 15 days will be crucial in deciding the fate of the state. As expected, the candidates will pump in huge amounts of money to lure the voters. But it is upto the people of Arunachal Pradesh whether to sell their votes or not. Many have in the past expressed anguish over the money culture. This is the right time to put your words into action. Whatever may be the nature of allurement, the people should not sell their votes at any cost. They should only vote for the candidates who have a vision for the development of their respective constituencies. Selling votes is against the spirit of democracy.