Itanagar, Oct 24: With no more major contender in this frontier state for the Chief Ministerial berth, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) today unanimously elected Dorjee Khandu as the CLP leader, to be sworn in tomorrow for the coveted post for the second consecutive term. Khandu was sworn in as the Chief Minister for the first time on October 9, 2007.
The CLP meeting, which lasted for six hours in presence of AICC observers V Narayanswami, L Falero and Sanjoy Bapna, unanimously resolved to authorise the party high command to choose the CLP leader.
''Sonia Gandhi has decided that incumbent Chief Minister Khandu should continue in his post for the fifth Legislative Assembly too, '' Narayanswami told a press conference later in the evening.
He said Ms Gandhi had congratulated Khandu and asked him to continue in the post in the greater interest of the state as well as the party.
The new CLP leader, who later rushed to the Raj Bhawan to stake claim for forming the next government would be sworn in on Sunday.
However, the picture is yet to be cleared whether Mr Khandu would take oath alone or along with his new Cabinet colleagues. Party sources informed that Mr Khandu would take oath alone and the Council of Ministers at a later stage after clearance of their names from the party high command.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister submitted his resignation to Governor Gen (Retd) J J Singh, who while accepting it asked him to continue till the new Ministry was formed. Later talking to reporters, Mr Khandu disclosed that his new government would work for the fulfillment of all the promises incorporated in the party's election manifesto.
He, however, exhorted the party MLAs to extend their cooperation to him in his developmental agendas.
Meanwhile, president of the Itanagar City Congress Committee Khyoda Tanik in a letter
to Narayanswami alleged that Khandu along with Lok Sabha MP Takam Sanjoy resorted
to anti-
The letter also alleged that the Chief Minister had paid over Rs five crore to three Central party leaders for the Chief Ministerial berth.
Narayanswami, however, told media that inquiry would be initiated to find the truth.
Meanwhile a few disgruntled Congress candidates, who lost the electoral battle this election, displayed anti Khandu posters in various parts of the state today. UNI
India, China give Arunachal a miss for better relations
Hua Hin, Oct 24: India and China today resolved not to let their differences be impediments
in bilateral relations, and avoided the contentious Arunachal Pradesh issue during
a meeting of Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Wen Jiabao that took place in the
backdrop of verbal run-
Both the Arunachal Pradesh and the Dalai Lama issues were not taken up during the meeting, an official said.
The meeting, which took place on sidelines of the ASEAN and East Asia Summits, was
the first high-
Reported Chinese incursions in Arunachal Pradesh that China claims as its own territory, Beijing's objection to Dr Singh's visit to campaign for the elections to the Arunachal Assembly and that of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama's planned visit next month to that state, had led to exchange of words between the two sides.
However, no sign of any strained relations was apparent as the Chinese premier received his Indian counterpart as an old friend and spoke warmly about several interactions they had in the past.
He said, ''We'll have good relations in the year ahead and both the sides will have to work to make that happen.''
Reciprocating the sentiments, Dr Singh shook Wen's hands warmly. ''I am excited to see you,'' Prime Minister Singh told Wen, who he was meeting after a year.
He recalled his meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao in Russia and congratulated him on the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Both Dr Singh and Wen underscored the importance of cordial bilateral relations for the ''Asian century'' to become a reality and said neither side should allow differences to act as an impediment in the growth of functioning cooperation. UNI
What happened to postal ballot papers of Aalo West constituency?
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: The winning margin was mere 31 votes in Aalo west constituency. Apart from the margin, what is intriguing is the journey of about 80 postal ballots. There were arrest made, FIR filed about missing employees and an order from the Returning officer.
According to papers made available to this daily, Deputy Superintendent of Posts in a letter to DC West Siang Amzad Tak states “68 registered letters containing postal ballot papers were missing from the Along Post office after booking.”
The postal ballot papers that lost its way however were later delivered to the Election Office by Sukuni Sharma, an employee of Postal Department, Aalo.
When the attention of the RO was drawn by Trinamool Congress, he gives an order on Oct 21 saying that “65 Postal Ballot Papers received by Sukuni Sharma from outside the Post Office and remaining 15 deposited by the electors in the Post Office were received in one bunch, it is impossible to identify 65 Postal Ballot Papers delivered to Sharma. Hence Returning Officer cannot reject all 80 Postal Ballot Papers.
However 48 Postal Ballot Papers identified to be tempered were rejected. “On thorough checking of all relevant records of issue of Postal Ballot Papers, it is found that 48 Postal Ballot Papers issued from this office have not reached to the actual voters on election duty”.
Meanwhile at least 13 employees gave an affidavit to the Returning Officer saying that they did not receive their postal ballot papers issued against them.
However, TMC candidate Duter Padu states that only 33 forged postal ballots were rejected of the 48.
When this daily asked the Returning Officer whether 15 postal ballots out of the 48 rejected were taken for final counting, he said that he is not aware of the fact.
To go back to entire episode, on Oct 17, Postmaster Along main office D K Deka wrote a letter to the Director Postal Services saying that a group of people forced him to write a letter on missing ballot papers, though there were no complaints from any corner regarding missing ballot papers.
On the same day, the Post master in a separate letter to the Returning Officer called for an investigation of missing postal ballots as he feared that it might have been tempered with. He further writes “I have an apprehension that some miscreants have snatched away the missing postal ballots papers from Dihingia (Postal Assistant) as he was on the way distribution the ballot papers to respective destinations”.
He and his family were forced to leave Aalo the next day.
Only proper and impartial investigations would unearth what exactly happened with the postal ballots of the constituency.
Economic blockade against Arunachal extended
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: The Economic blockade against Arunachal by several Assam based organization has been extended till Oct 26. The decision to extend the blockade was taken after Arunachal failed to respond to the Peace Convention called by various Assam based organizations. The Convention is scheduled for Oct 25 and has been called by All Assam Deori Students Union, Takam Mishing Porin Kebang, Becharkari Gari Chalak Sanstha and All Kosh Rajbangshi students Union.
After a death of Assamese driver in West Siang, an economic blockade was declared by Assam against Arunachal.
While regretting the extension of the economic blockade, the Union further said that organizations, administration of Arunachal have not responded to the peace move initiated by Assam based organisations.
NCP to extend support to Congress
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: Nationalist Congress Party would extend “unstinted and constructive support” to the Congress government in the state. This was disclosed by its state unit Chief L Wanglat today at a press conference. We respect the verdict of the people and hope that the new government will work for socio economic development of the state and ensure peace, harmony and stability, he said.
While thanking the people of the state for sending five NCP legislators, Wanglat, however admitted that party could not come up with a better performance because of lack of funds. Terming the 2009 elections as the most expensive, he said that because of huge financial involvement, the party could not do much.
Newly elected legislators Alo Libang, Techi kaso, Jomin Tayeng, Ralom Borang, Bamang Felix were present during the press conference.
Alo Libang who handed out a shocking defeat to the former Chief Minister Gegong Apang said that priorities would be education, health and road connectivity.
Ralom Borang who ensured exit of former minister Lombo Tayeng said that ‘people wanted change and transparency in governance” when asked on his remarkable win.
Kaso who defeated sitting MLA Kipa Babu in the prestigious Itanagar constituency said that law and order would be apriority. He appealed cooperation from all to make Itanagar a model capital.
Jomin Tayeng had already spelled out power, road, health and education as his priority. The first Arunachalee to make it to the coveted Indian Administrative Service, Tayeng defeated Congress nominee Roding Pertin in his second attempt.
Meanwhile, all the members from Yinkgiong-
BJP to play role of opposition
By Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Arunachal Pradesh has decided to play the role of opposition in the state Assembly.
We have accepted the people’s verdict in the just concluded Assembly election and decided to play crucial role of opposition as per the wishes of the party high command, said state BJP president and newly elected MLA from Pasighat West Dr Tangor Tapak in a press meet here this afternoon.
There must be a opposition for healthy democracy and Governance can not flourish without opposition, Tapak said and maintained that though the BJP MLAs elected during last Assembly election defected later, the party has been playing the crucial role of opposition and will continue it.
Regarding the outcome of the election results, Tapak said, his party viewed its as fractured mandate as the people have elected and chosen their representatives from among the other parties too like NCP, AITC and PPA apart from INC.
‘We can not say people wholly supported the Congress. The mandate is a clear indication that people want a change for healthy democracy,’ the state party chief said.
Tapak maintained that anti-
“We the elected MLAs are united and will not succumb to any pressure from ruling
party for defection”, Tapak said and asserted that his party will works out a mechanism
to find out a solution to the loyalty shift of the political leaders and towards
a strong anti-
BJP had fielded candidates in 18 seats and won in only three.
“Legislators can work for the development without being in rural party and I will try my level best to come up to the people’s expectation as they voted for me for development”, said Tamiyo Taga former state BJP president and newly elected MLA from Rumgong constituency while responding to a specific question.
Tapen Siga, another BJP veteran leader who was elected from Daporijo constituency
said that people have given him a chance to serve them as he has been contesting
election for last 20 years. However, he added that development had taken place during
the tenure of late Tadak Dulom. ‘But for the last 10-
Tapir Gao, who played his role as star campaigner of the party, alleged that INC is still playing money and muscle politics. Many polling booths in interior areas of the Liromoba constituency had been captured by the INC workers, he said and added that Congress had murdered the democracy this time too with booth capturing. Gao however, said “we get three senior and experienced leaders and I am confident that they will play a crucial role as opposition leaders”.
BJP North East organizational incharge P Chandrasekhar Rao, while expressing satisfaction with the poll out come said, ‘our elected veteran leaders had proved that election can be won without money power. Our elected representatives will work for whole of Arunachal Pradesh for bringing a change and development’. The BJP and its legislature party leaders will work together with proper strategy as strong opposition, he said.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state Capital, just after of the Assembly election, Rao appealed the police and administration to play a proactive role to bring back peace and remove the fear psychosis from the mind of the capital dwellers.
Meanwhile, National BJP has deputed former union minister and BJP MP (Assam) Bijaya Chakraborty who has already arrived in Itanagar to attend the crucial BJP meeting to decide the legislature party leader.
PPA would play the role of constructive opposition
Phurpa Tsering to head PPA in assembly
Taba Ajum
ITANAGAR, Oct. 25: As stage is all set for the commencing of new assembly session,
the major political parties have started to maneuver their next move. In this regard
today meeting of newly elected MLA of People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) was held
under the chairmanship of party president Kameng Ringu to elect party’s leader in
the assembly. At meeting all the four newly elected MLA of party Takam Tagar from
Palin, Er. Markio Tado from Tali, Phurpa Tsering from Dirang and Kumsi Sidisow from
Thrizino-
Later talking to media persons, Party president Kamen Ringu, extended heartfelt thanks to people of state for their support to PPA.
He declared this election as historic since after long gap PPA has managed to bounce back in political scene of Arunachal.
“Our party will play a constructive role of opposition in the coming assembly session. Also our MLA won’t defect to ruling Congress and will work for the betterment of state in general,” Ringu said.
Of the four freshly elected MLAs, two belong to Kurung Kumey district and two to West Kameng. Four of them young and are brimming with confidence to face every challenge.
“I left safe job of engineer to work for the betterment of Tali constituency. My priority would be both human development and fast tracking of all infrastructure related work,” said Er. Markio Tado.
Takam Tagar, MLA from Palin who had found his name among the crorepati list of candidate, lists road connectivity as the major development work which he will pursue. “I think every development is someway or other related to road connection. I will strive hard to bring all the villages of my constituency under road connection. This will be first step of my development agenda and rest will follow,” shared Takam Tagar.
Another young MLA from Dirang, Phurpa Tsering with his down to earth touch spoke about the PDS scam that has been rocking in his area. “For last two years in my constituency PDS rice for BPL section was being sold at 4 rupees per kg instead of 3 and APL section at 10 rupees a kg in place of 9. So, I would like to know from concerned authority where has those extra earned money gone,” questioned Phurpa Tsering.
ROING, Oct 24: The Deputy Commissioner cum District Magistrate of Lower Dibang Valley District has imposed 144 Cr.PC in and around Roing township till 6/11/09.
The order further states that the executive order has been issued after receiving reports of post poll incidents like threatening, stone pelting, manhandling of common masses in the township and in the apprehensions of similar nature of incidents that may erupt endangering the human life and disturbing the peace and tranquility of the area.
Meanwhile our Roing Correspondent reports that the business community has been targeted by the congress party workers.
Soaps were sealed and private properties were also damaged by the workers. Congress lost both the seats in Lower Dibang Valley.
AAPSU calls for cautious allocation of portfolio
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: The All Arunachal Pradesh Student’s Union (A.A.P.S.U) while congratulating the newly elected Members of Legislative Assembly expressed the hope that under their leadership all the constituencies will progress and witness new era of development.
The Union called for caution while allocating the Home, Education and Health portfolios as “these ministries have maximum impact on the law order, human resource and physical health of common people of the state”.
The union advocated for sincere, practical and capable leaders who can handle and deliver to look after the three departments.
Meanwhile the union rejected the proposed tender call for setting up of Railway station in Papumpare district without releasing the MoU between the state and the union government on the project.
The government has failed to address the problem of the project affected people and the compensation given is so meager that it has not fulfilled even 10% as promised and the issue of inner line permit has been completely left out, the Union said.
The union rejected the repeated claims of Arunachal by china terming it “hollow devoid of any reason and foundation carried out with full of calculations and ill motives eyeing the rich hydro power potentiality of the state”.
The Union while calling for tabling of enquiry report on Seepa Shooting within ten days said that it if demands are not met, it will call a 12 hrs capital Bandh along with ANSU, ALSU for the want of justice.
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: All Arunachal Private Schools Association would organize a two
days residential State Level Inter School Competitions titled Talent Search-
ITANAGAR, Oct 25: Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma has assumed charge as the General Manager,
Network-
An M.A. in Economics, Sarma joined the Bank as a Probationary Officer in1979 and
has served the Bank in several important capacities which includes an assignment
as Vice President (Credit) at the Bank’s Chicago Branch and as Deputy General Manager,
IT-
Prior to assuming charge as General Manager of the North Eastern Circle, Sarma was serving as the Executive Secretary to the Chairman, State Bank of India, Corporate Centre, Mumbai.
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee has expelled Yangte ZPM HR
Tallo along with 9 ASMs of Kurung Kumey Districts from primary and active membership
of INC for their active involvement in the anti-
Scindia assures small tea growers
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: Confederation of Indian Small Tea Growers’ Association executive members met Minister of state for Commerce and Industry, government of India, Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia and submitted memorandum containing 21 points and grievances of small tea growers at New Delhi on October 21 last.
Meanwhile, responding to the memorandum, the minister ensured to fulfill their demands.
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: Arunachal Youth Democratic Forum (ADYF) highlighting the grievances
of Arunachalee people living in the Assam-
Attu Bampung Hema Welfare Society, Kurung Kumey thanked Deputy Commissioner cum DEO, Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officer and polling party of Kurung Kumey district for peacefully conducting the recently concluded assembly election in the district.
State needs strong education policy: ATA
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: Arunachal Pradesh needs a strong policy into order to revamp the whole education system, said Arunachal Teachers’ Association (ATA) in a release today.
ATA said education is the basic need in the society, therefore, it should be given more attention than any other department. The Association hoped the new incumbent in the education ministry in the new government will redress the issues confronting the education department properly by ‘setting up a standing committee on education system’.
Raja extends wishes to Tagar
ITANAGAR, Oct. 25: Balo Raja, ex-
ANSU appeals to legislators
ITANAGAR: All Nyishi students union (ANSU) has appealed to newly elected leader from Nyishi community to work harder for the development of community. Student body requested all the political leaders cutting across political parties to unitedly work for the all round development of state.
The release further appealed the ruling party to select best candidate for ministry of education who can seriously work for education sector of state.
ANSU hope that border issue with neighboring states will be immediately solved and let people living in border area live peacefully.
AYA appeals
ITANAGAR: Apatani Youth Association in a letter, appealed to the Deputy Commissioner, Lower Subansiri District not to approve bail to Dunik Raja.
It further appealed the DC to give immediate notice to the Rent house owners of Ziro-
Unions demand arrest
ITANAGAR: The Ziro-
Maj, son of former Home Minister succumbed to his injuries on the night of Oct 18.
The Unions said that such kind of barbaric and human act deserves condemnation from all sections of society,
Both the organizations prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family.
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