The Bharatiya Janata Party got a head start in Arunachal Pradesh Assembly elections when one of its 60 candidates was returned unopposed on Tuesday when scrutiny of the nominations left 198 candidates in the fray.
“BJP party in Arunachal has made a good start. Shri Kento Jini, @BJP4India candidate from 31-Aalo East Assembly constituency is elected unopposed. Many congratulations to him and all BJP parivar,” tweeted Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who is contesting the Mukto seat in Tawang district .
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, seeking to retain the Arunachal West Lok Sabha seat, too congratulated Mr. Jini. He also tweeted about a second candidate having been “elected” similarly.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Shri Taba Tedir becomes the second BJP MLA candidate to get elected unopposed from 16-Yachuli Assembly Constituency in Arunachal Pradesh. Congratulations to @BJP4India karyakartas of Yachuli Mondal and Arunachal Pradesh,” Mr. Rijiju’s tweet read.
Additional Chief Electoral Officer Kanki Darang said, “Mr. Jini was returned unopposed as there were no other candidate for the Aalo East constituency.”
He said the outcome for the Yachuli seat would be confirmed after a hearing on Wednesday, as another candidate who filed nomination had lodged a complaint.
ADVERTISEMENT
198 in the fray
Officials said 13 nominations were rejected on Tuesday, leaving 198 candidates in the fray. All 60 papers of BJP candidates were found valid while 49 of 55 candidates fielded by the Congress remain. The National People’s Party has 30 candidates followed by the Janata Dal (United) with 16 and the Janata Dal (Secular) with 11.
Of the candidates standing, 14 are women.