Itanagar, Jan 29: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday underscored the importance of discipline, ideological clarity and grassroots empowerment while addressing the State-level orientation programme of newly elected Zilla Parishad Chairpersons (ZPCs), Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs) and Gram Panchayat Chairpersons (GPCs).
Congratulating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on its performance in the recently concluded Panchayat elections, the Chief Minister described the outcome as historic, stating that the party secured an overwhelming presence across the State. He extended congratulations to party workers and newly elected representatives, noting that many first-time representatives, including graduates and postgraduates, had entered the Panchayati Raj system.
Khandu said the orientation programme was aimed at providing newly elected representatives with clarity on party ideology, responsibilities, conduct, and coordination with government systems. He informed that the Panchayati Raj Department would conduct separate training programmes for Panchayati Raj representatives in the coming days.
Describing the BJP as a “party with a difference”, the Chief Minister said it functions on the principle of “Nation First” and is driven by ideology rather than the pursuit of power. He said the party prioritizes service to the nation and society over individual or political interests.
Tracing Arunachal Pradesh’s democratic journey, Khandu said the State formally entered a structured democratic framework only after 1972 and had faced neglect for decades after Independence. He added that the last ten years had witnessed visible transformation, particularly after the BJP formed the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Emphasizing the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in realizing the vision of a “Viksit Bharat”, the Chief Minister said true development cannot be limited to metropolitan cities and must begin from villages and Panchayats. He said empowered Gram Panchayats would lead to stronger constituencies, districts, states and ultimately a developed nation.
Khandu reminded newly elected representatives that their conduct reflects not only on themselves but also on the party, warning that the BJP has a strong monitoring and reporting system at the grassroots. He assured that the government respects the autonomy of PRIs and stated that there would be no interference by MLAs in Panchayat functioning.
Urging better coordination between party organisation and governance, he suggested integrating Panchayat representatives into booth-level party committees for effective implementation of government schemes and last-mile delivery of benefits. He also cautioned that the party would not hesitate to take action against representatives failing to uphold discipline and performance standards.
The programme was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, BJP state president Kaling Moyong, vice president-cum-convenor Chow Zingnu Namchoom, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, senior BJP leader Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Public Policy Research Centre Director Dr Sumeet Bhasin, Nitin Vilas Mahadik, Nido Sakter, and other party office bearers.