Six out of eight councillors in the Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) have joined the Indian National Congress (INC), undermining the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) control of the local body. The switch occurred on July 25, after the councillors briefly aligned with the National People’s Party (NPP) following their departure from the BJP.
The councillors, Rebeka Panyang Megu (Deputy Chief Councilor), Yalop Nyigang Yomso, Ponung Radeng Saring, Mumcy Dupak Lollen, Okeng Tayeng, and Kaling Doruk, attempted to impeach the sitting Chief Councilor, Okiam Moyong Borang, due to grievances they felt were ignored by the BJP leadership. After their impeachment efforts failed, they aligned with the NPP for a brief period before deciding to join the INC. On August 7, the councillors formally notified the Deputy Commissioner of Pasighat about their decision to switch to the INC. Their memberships were accepted by Allen Perme, President of the District Congress Committee, who welcomed them and stated that their inclusion would strengthen the party’s presence in Pasighat and the East Siang district.
Perme highlighted concerns about alleged irregularities in the execution of smart city projects and misuse of funds in Pasighat, citing information obtained through Right to Information (RTI) requests. He pointed to complaints from residents and various organizations regarding the quality of ongoing construction works, including drainage systems, roads, and public buildings. Perme advised the newly joined councillors to prioritize work quality and contribute to the overall development of Pasighat as a smart city. He indicated that the INC would soon announce new appointments for the positions of Chief Councilor and Deputy Chief Councilor, following the appropriate procedures as directed by the state Congress leadership.
