Arunachal local body voting began on Monday amid strict security arrangements as polling started for panchayat institutions and civic bodies in the state. Elections are underway for Panchayati Raj Institutions, along with municipal polls in Itanagar and Pasighat, officials confirmed.
Polling started at 7 am, but low temperatures slowed voter turnout during the early hours. Election officials expect participation to pick up as the day progresses. The State Election Commission has deployed more than 40,000 security personnel and around 15,000 polling staff to ensure peaceful voting.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu cast his vote at the 11-Gyangkhar polling station in Tawang district. In a post on X, he urged citizens to vote in large numbers and exercise their democratic rights responsibly. He said every vote strengthens grassroots democracy and supports community development.
The ruling BJP has already secured major gains without contest. The party won 58 district council seats unopposed, while the National People’s Party claimed one seat. BJP candidates also won four Itanagar Municipal Corporation seats uncontested.
Additionally, 5,037 BJP candidates have been elected unopposed to gram panchayats. Overall, 440 candidates are contesting 186 district council seats. The electorate includes 8,31,648 voters across rural and urban bodies.
