Repeated Chinese claim over its territory, massive corruption especially in the public distribution system and an inefficient road network were some of the issues that took centrestage in the past two weeks in Arunachal. The campaigning, which drew to a close on Sunday, saw parties make tall promises to an approximately 54 per cent literate electorate.

The Congress appeared confident. “We are expecting to win at least 50 seats in the 60-member Assembly. The people are satisfied with the performance of the Dorjee Khandu government as well as the package that the UPA government announced for Arunachal Pradesh last year,” said Nabam Tuki, chief of the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee.

Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, however, feels the Congress would have to remain content with 42-44 seats. “I think winning 44 seats is more than enough. We also need some Opposition,” he told The Indian Express. It is worth noting that while the Congress had won only 33 seats in 2004, the Assembly was soon left with no Opposition as all non-Congress MLAs — nine from the BJP, two from the NCP, two from the Arunachal Congress (AC) — joined the ruling party and 14 Independents became associate members of the Congress.

Khandu claimed that the Congress would easily retain power, especially on the basis of the good work done by his government.

“We have streamlined the PDS, improved and expanded the existing road network, built more health centres, and taken up a lot of schemes for women and youth,” he said.

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