ITANAGAR — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit in Arunachal Pradesh has come out in staunch defense of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, completely dismissing intense social media speculation and digital news reports claiming his imminent resignation. Labeling the reports as “fake, baseless, and fabricated,” the ruling party clarified that the state leadership remains completely intact and unified under Khandu.
The political storm ignited following a Supreme Court-directed preliminary inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into alleged corruption involving public work contracts.
The Root of the Crisis: The ₹1,270 Crore Corruption Case
The political pressure on Chief Minister Pema Khandu intensified significantly after the Supreme Court of India ordered a preliminary inquiry by the CBI.
- The Allegations: Civil society groups and NGOs filed petitions alleging a massive conflict of interest and a “collusive exercise” in the state. The charges claim that between 2015 and 2025, public work contracts worth approximately ₹1,270 crore were directly awarded to firms and companies owned by or linked to members of Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s immediate family.
- The Defense: While the state government maintains that the contracts were allotted transparently via open tenders, the apex court ruled a CBI probe necessary to uncover the true nature of the allocations. The preliminary inquiry is currently underway, and CM Khandu has reportedly been cooperating with the central agency.
Growing Pressure: SAYA and ACS Demand Accountability
As the CBI investigation progresses, local student and civil bodies—including the SAYA (Siang Anto Youth Association) and the Arunachal Civil Society (ACS)—have heavily stepped up the political heat.
Staging protest rallies and public campaigns, these organizations have formally demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Their leadership argues that for a free, fair, and untampered CBI investigation to take place, the top executive head of the state must step down from his position until cleared of all charges.
BJP Rejects Resignation Rumours as “Fake News”
The pressure culminated in widespread rumors over the weekend, sparked by an Assam-based news portal, suggesting that the central leadership had summoned Khandu and asked him to step down.
Responding swiftly, State BJP President Kaling Moyong, Party Spokesperson Mohesh Chai, and General Secretary Tadar Niglar held an emergency press conference at the party headquarters in Itanagar to issue a stern denial.
“There is absolutely no truth in the news being circulated about Chief Minister Pema Khandu stepping down. Such rumours are baseless and intended to mislead the public and destabilise the political atmosphere in Arunachal Pradesh.”
— Kaling Moyong, State BJP President
Key Takeaways from the BJP Briefing:
- Unconditional Unity: The party confirmed that all 46 BJP legislators (MLAs) in the state stand firmly aligned under Pema Khandu’s leadership. There is zero internal division or discussion regarding a leadership change.
- Respect for Due Process: The BJP asserted that they fully respect the judicial system. Since it is a preliminary investigation and no guilt has been proven, the question of a resignation does not arise. However, Moyong added, “If the Supreme Court delivers a verdict against the Chief Minister, the party will take an appropriate decision at that time.”
- No Orders from Delhi: Party spokesperson Mohesh Chai confirmed he spoke directly with BJP National President Nitin Nabin, confirming that the central high command has issued no directives or summons regarding a leadership change.
Legal Action and Warnings
Taking the matter a step further, the ruling party has warned of severe consequences for those weaponizing misinformation.
The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Itanagar district unit has formally filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Itanagar Police Station against the digital publication that initially fabricated the resignation story. Furthermore, BJP General Secretary Tadar Niglar warned that if any internal party workers or insiders are found to be leaking or fueling these fake reports to local channels, strict disciplinary and legal action will be initiated against them immediately.
For now, Pema Khandu remains firmly in the Chief Minister’s seat, backed heavily by his party, even as the shadow of the ₹1,270 crore CBI inquiry looms over the state’s political landscape.