The Arunachal Democratic Party (ADP) has formally merged with the Indian National Congress (INC) at a programme held in Itanagar. All office-bearers and members of the regional party joined the Congress together during an induction ceremony.
ADP president Tami Pangu said the decision to merge was based on ideology and belief in the Congress party’s stand on democracy, secularism and constitutional values. He said the move was not just a political adjustment but a step taken after careful thought.
“This is not merely a political shift but an ideological alignment to safeguard democratic institutions and strengthen constitutional governance,” Pangu said while explaining the decision.
The merger, however, will not change the present strength of the Congress in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly. The ADP has no member in the House. At present, the Congress has one MLA in the Assembly.
The newly joined members were welcomed by Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bosiram Siram in the presence of senior party leaders and workers.
Siram assured the former ADP leaders that they would get “equal responsibility and opportunity” within the party structure. He described the mass induction as a positive development for the Congress in the state.
Pangu said that under the Congress platform, they would continue to raise important issues concerning Arunachal Pradesh. These include a review of Article 371(H), concerns related to hydropower projects and alleged illegal mining activities in the state.
He also mentioned larger issues such as unemployment, rising prices, corruption and what he described as weakening of institutions. According to him, these issues point towards a governance crisis that needs urgent attention.
The ADP leaders thanked former chief minister Gegong Apang for giving them a political platform through the Congress. They also expressed appreciation for All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
The leaders said that the role played by Siram and his opposition to the ruling BJP government in the state influenced their decision.
Calling the merger a “new chapter” in Arunachal Pradesh politics, the newly inducted members said they would work for transparent governance, people-centric policies and inclusive development in the state.
