Itanagar: The Arunachal Democratic Party (ADP) on Monday officially merged with the Congress, with all its office-bearers and members joining the party during an induction ceremony held in the state.
ADP president Tami Pangu said the decision to merge was guided by ideological conviction and their confidence in the Congress’s commitment to democracy, secularism and constitutional principles.
The merger will not alter the Congress’s strength in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly, as the ADP did not have any representation in the House. The Congress currently has one MLA.
The new entrants were welcomed by Bosiram Siram, president of the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), in the presence of senior state Congress leaders and party functionaries.
Announcing their formal induction, Siram assured former ADP members that they would be given equal responsibility and opportunities within the party organisation.
Explaining the move, Pangu described it as more than a political realignment. “This is not merely a political shift but an ideological alignment to protect democratic institutions and strengthen constitutional governance,” he said.
He added that under the Congress platform, they would continue to raise critical issues concerning the state, including a review of Article 371(H), hydropower projects and alleged illegal mining activities.
The leaders also highlighted broader concerns such as unemployment, rising prices, corruption and what they termed the weakening of institutions, calling these indicators of a governance crisis that demands urgent corrective steps.
Pangu expressed gratitude to former chief minister Gegong Apang for providing them with the Congress platform.
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The leaders also thanked Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. They credited Siram’s leadership and his strong opposition to the ruling BJP in the state as key factors behind their decision to join the Congress.
The newly inducted members pledged to work towards transparent, inclusive and people-centric governance in the state.
