Blow to NPP in Arunachal as 4 MLAs Switch to PPA, Party Left With Only One Legislator

The change has been recognized by the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly and has been formally notified in the state gazette.

In a major political shift in Arunachal Pradesh, four sitting MLAs from the National People’s Party (NPP) have formally joined the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA), dealing a significant blow to the NPP and boosting the PPA’s strength in the state assembly to six.

The defecting MLAs are Namgey Tsering (2-Tawang), Pesi Jilen (27-Liromoba), Tapi Darang (38-Pasighat East), and Oni Panyang (40-Mariyang-Geku). Their decision to switch allegiance was officially recorded on May 12, 2025, via Form-III declarations, in accordance with Rule 4 of the Disqualification on Ground of Defection Rules, 1987.

The change has been recognized by the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly and has been formally notified in the state gazette. Speaker Tesam Pongte and Assembly Secretary Tadar Meena confirmed the development, highlighting its possible impact on the political dynamics of the state.

This move leaves the NPP with just one legislator in the 60-member house, where the BJP holds a commanding majority with 46 MLAs, following the assembly elections held last year alongside the Lok Sabha polls.

The PPA, Arunachal’s oldest regional party, had secured two seats in the last election. With this new influx of leaders, the party now finds itself in a stronger position, both numerically and strategically, ahead of future political realignments in the state.

Also Read: Arunachal: Hundreds March to Raj Bhawan, Demand Immediate Deportation of Illegal Immigrants and Chakma-Hajong Refugees

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