The Arunachal Democratic Party (ADP) formally merged with the Indian National Congress (INC) on Monday, with all its office-bearers and members joining the party during a mass induction ceremony in Arunachal Pradesh.
ADP president Tami Pangu said the merger was driven by ideological conviction and faith in the Congress’s commitment to democracy, secularism, and constitutional values.
The development will not impact the Congress’s strength in the state Assembly, as the ADP has no representation in the House. The Congress currently has one MLA in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly.
Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bosiram Siram welcomed the ADP members into the party fold in the presence of senior state Congress leaders and party functionaries. He assured the former ADP leaders of “equal responsibility and opportunity” within the party structure.
Explaining the move, Pangu stated, “This is not merely a political shift but an ideological alignment to safeguard democratic institutions and strengthen constitutional governance.”
He said they would continue to raise key state issues under the Congress platform, including a review of Article 371(H), concerns over hydropower projects, and alleged illegal mining activities.
The leaders also highlighted broader issues such as unemployment, inflation, corruption, and weakening institutions, describing them as indicators of a governance crisis requiring urgent corrective measures.
Pangu thanked former Chief Minister Gegong Apang for providing them the platform within the Congress. They also expressed appreciation for AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, crediting Siram’s leadership and his opposition to the ruling BJP in the state as factors behind their decision.
Calling the mass induction a “new chapter” in Arunachal Pradesh politics, the newly joined members pledged to work for people-centric governance, transparency, and inclusive development in the state.
