After the dramatic turn around in the State government of Arunachal Pradesh, Mr. Pema Khandu has replaced the former CM Nabam Tuki as the new Chief Minister of the India’s strategically important state. Pema Khandu, 37 who swore in for the post of CM of Arunachal Pradesh recently is the youngest CM of India.
Pema Khandu on Wednesday proved his position on the floor of the state assembly when 46 of the Congress MLAs along with 2 independent MLAs voted in his favour while 11 of the opposition BJP MLAs voted against in vain.
Pema is the eldest son of former CM Dorjee Khandu who died in a helicopter crash in 2011. Though he first entered the Arunachal Pradesh assembly in 2011 to fill the vacancy caused by his father’s death, Pema Khandu has been involved in politics and social welfare projects from early days of helping with his father and today he has proved his mettle by challenging and most importantly winning the highly coveted seat; Arunachal Pradesh CM.
He belongs to the Monpa tribe of the state who are mostly Buddhists hailing from Tawang district and his family has been closely associated with Tibet issue.
On this occasion, Prime Minister of Tibetan Government in Exile, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay congratulated him with “It is truly a pleasure to congratulate you on behalf of all Tibetan people and the Central Tibetan Administration on becoming the ninth Chief Minister of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. I also commend you on becoming the third youngest Chief Minister of your state. I extend my prayers and best wishes to you in fulfilling the expectations and aspirations of your people as you are readying to assume the responsibility of the State leadership. It is my deepest conviction that you will provide steadfast development for the people of Arunachal Pradesh.”
“As you are aware, Tibetans share a special bond of language, culture, art and religion with Arunachal Pradesh. The government and people of Arunachal Pradesh had shown support and solidarity to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetans when they were passing through Tawang and other areas to exile in India after the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959. The successive governments of Arunachal Pradesh have been equally supportive and generous to the Tibetan people throughout these years.”
Since Pema Khandu is a familiar figure in the state while at the same time he is keen at building a peaceful and vibrant state, we are sure he will make a great positive impact in Arunachal Pradesh.