About the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly
Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly
The Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, also known as the Arunachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, is the unicameral legislative body of the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The Assembly is located at Vidhan Bhavan in Itanagar, the state capital.
The Assembly consists of 60 elected members representing constituencies across the state. The current Eighth Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly was constituted following the 2024 Assembly elections, in which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a decisive majority.
Government and leadership
Pema Khandu serves as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, leading the BJP government. He has held the Chief Minister's office since 2016 and continued in the position after the 2024 Assembly elections.
Tesam Pongte serves as the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. He presides over House proceedings, maintains order during debates and oversees legislative business.
The Assembly does not have an officially recognised Leader of the Opposition because no opposition party meets the required numerical strength for recognition. The Indian National Congress is among the opposition parties represented in the House.
Electoral composition
In the 2024 Assembly elections, the BJP won 46 seats out of 60 and secured a clear majority. The National People's Party (NPP) won five seats, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) won three, the People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) won two, the Congress won one and three seats went to independent candidates.
The election strengthened the BJP's position in the state and enabled it to form the government for another term.
Legislative responsibilities
The Assembly is responsible for debating and passing state laws, approving the annual budget and examining government policies. Its work covers education, healthcare, agriculture, roads, connectivity, tourism, employment, tribal welfare and rural development.
Elected representatives raise constituency-level issues and participate in discussions on the state's economic and social development.
Political significance
Arunachal Pradesh occupies an important strategic position in Northeast India because of its geographical location and international borders. The Legislative Assembly plays a significant role in addressing regional development, infrastructure, border-area welfare, cultural preservation and public administration.
Term and next election
The current Eighth Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly was elected in 2024 and has a regular five-year term covering 2024–2029. The next regular Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election is expected in 2029, subject to constitutional and electoral developments.