The election for the positions of zilla parishad chairpersons (ZPCs) in Arunachal Pradesh is set to take place on January 10, covering 27 districts across the state. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced candidates for 26 districts, including a noteworthy slate of 10 women candidates. These candidates are Tang Yado (Papum Pare), Phurpha Droima (West Kameng), Pai Pizi Yangfo (East Kameng), Bake Yama (Kurung Kumey), Hibu Dumi (Lower Subansiri), Jyoti Sikom (Upper Subansiri), Api Kombo (Upper Siang), Ruth Tabing Boko (East Siang), Basanlu Yun Dellang (Lohit), and Chenumlu Mitti Khamblai (Anjaw).
While the BJP holds a majority in 23 districts, the elections in Papum Pare and Upper Siang are anticipated to be closely contested, as the ruling party does not have a clear lead there. The People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA), the only regional party, is fielding candidates in both districts, making for a competitive landscape against the BJP.
In Papum Pare, the BJP holds eight zilla parishad members (ZPMs), while the PPA has six and Congress two. Notably, Congress has pledged its support to the PPA. In Upper Siang, both the BJP and PPA have secured five ZPMs each out of a total of ten, setting the stage for a fascinating electoral showdown.
Doimukh MLA and state PPA president Nabam Vivek confirmed that Bamang Yayu and Tendy Lamo will be their ZPC candidates for Papum Pare and Upper Siang, respectively. He remarked, “The PPA has decided to field ZPC candidates in both districts. Both BJP and PPA are equal in Upper Siang, while in Papum Pare, the numbers are equal at eight. Since neither party holds a majority, the ZPC will be determined by a draw of lots.”
In Keyi Panyor district, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has named Nabam Piju as its ZPC candidate after winning five out of six ZPM seats. Yachuli MLA and state NCP president Toko Tatung expressed that the party’s choice to nominate a woman reflects a commitment to women’s leadership, emphasizing that “by giving her the ZPC ticket, we are promoting women empowerment.”
In Changlang district, the BJP has selected Remjung Jungli as its candidate but faces a challenge, holding only six of the 15 ZPM seats, necessitating partnerships with other parties to secure a win. Meanwhile, in Namsai district, the BJP’s Chow Sujana Namchoom is nominated, despite her previous loss in the 2024 Assembly election.
The state BJP leadership has not publicly addressed its future in Upper Siang, Papum Pare, or Changlang. State BJP chief Kaling Moyong did not respond to inquiries regarding prospects in these areas. A BJP leader commented, “We are attempting to gain support from members of other parties in Upper Siang and Changlang, but the situation is complex in Papum Pare.”
Original Source: https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2026/01/06/zpc-showdown-in-arunachal-bjp-dominates-but-faces-test-in-key-districts/
Category: Bengia Ajum,State News
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Publish Date: 2026-01-06 00:38:00
