Chief Minister Pema Khandu has gone for major cabinet and bureaucratic reshuffle. His decision to effect cabinet reshuffle just a year before state goes to assembly election caught everyone by surprise. Chief Minister has rewarded ministers like Alo Libang and Mohesh Chai, who are considered to be his close aides. Both have been given important departments. Though first time MLA, Chai now holds charge of several important departments like Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, horticulture, agriculture, fisheries, and sports. It is a massive promotion for a first time MLA.
On the other hand Home Minister Kumar Waii, once considered to be a powerful minister, has seen his influence and power reduce under present regime. He has been stripped of Rural Works Department, which he reportedly coveted very much. Pema also sprung surprise by deciding to clip the power of parliamentary secretaries like Gojen Gadi and CT Mein who were holding independent charge of their respective departments. Considering the fact that both are very senior leaders, his decision is indeed bold. Also the decision to shift Bamang Felix from PHE & WS department to RWD is another major surprise. Felix has been performing well as minister PHE & WS by ensuring that under his leadership Arunachal achieve open defecation free (ODF) status in January this year much before the national target. CM Khandu has stamped his authorities by sidelining senior leaders and promoting his loyalists in the cabinet reshuffle. Only time will tell whether this move helps to cement his power in the long run?