Khandu is recognized for his strategic acumen which played a key role in bringing the BJP to power for the first time in the northeastern state bordering China in 2016 (Image: PTI File)
During his two terms as Chief Minister, Khandu emerged as a popular leader in the northeastern state, especially after the constitutional crisis in 2016 that led to the president’s rule.
Pema Khandu was sworn in as the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh for the third consecutive term after she was elected as the leader of the BJP Legislature Party at a meeting in Itanagar on Wednesday, senior leader Tarun Chugh said.
Khandu along with the new council of ministers took the oath and secret of office at the Dorjee Khandu Convention Hall in Itanagar on Thursday, which was attended by Union Ministers Amit Shah and JP Nadda along with several chief ministers from northeastern states, among others.
#WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Ministers JP Nadda, Kiren Rijiju and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the swearing-in of Arunachal Pradesh CM-designate Pema Khandu. pic.twitter.com/MViCmJhVIs— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2024
Apart from Khandu, BJP MLA Chowna Mein was inducted as his deputy. Then members of parliament Biyuram Wahge, Nyato Dukam, Gabriel D Wangsu, Wangki Lowang, PD Sona, Mama Natung, Dasanglu Pul, Balo Raja. Kento Jini and Ojing Tashing were also sworn in as Ministers in the Arunachal government.
The BJP returned to power in Arunachal Pradesh for the third time in a row, winning 46 seats in the 60-member Assembly. Khandu, 45, was re-elected unopposed from the Mukto seat in the Tawang border district.
During the assembly polls held in conjunction with the Lok Sabha elections on April 19, Khandu campaigned on a platform of corruption-free governance, emphasizing transparency and people-centric policies.
Pema Khandu: Life Beyond Politics
During his two terms as Chief Minister, Khandu emerged as a popular leader in the northeastern state, especially after the constitutional crisis in 2016 that led to the president’s rule.
Known for his passion for sports and music, Khandu is recognized for his strategic acumen which played a key role in bringing the BJP to power for the first time in the northern state bordering China in 2016.
His political journey began amid personal tragedy, with the early death of his father, former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, in a helicopter crash in 2011. Khandu’s political rise gained momentum when he won an unopposed election from his father’s Mukto constituency.
Initially serving as the tourism minister in the Congress government of Nabam Tuki, Khandu’s leadership trajectory took off after the constitutional crisis in January 2016 that led to the president’s rule.
After taking over the central government, he became a minister in the Kalikho Pul-led government, supported by the BJP. However, this reign was short-lived, and Tuki was restored as Chief Minister after the intervention of the Supreme Court.
Khandu then became the Chief Minister in July 2016 at the age of 37. In 2019, Khandu was re-elected from the Mukto assembly seat and served as Chief Minister without any political obstacles.
A Buddhist by faith, Khandu is known for his cultural contributions, especially in music beyond politics.
An avid music lover, he enthralled the audience with classical renditions by Kishore Kumar and Mohammad Rafi at official gatherings.
Sports is another passion for Khandu, who actively organizes cricket tournaments and supports local athletes, training talents in various disciplines including football, cricket, badminton, and volleyball.
A history graduate from Delhi Hindu College, Khandu belongs to the Monpa tribe, mainly living in Tawang and some parts of West Kameng.