• BJP leader Pema Khandu took oath as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh for the third consecutive term on June 13.

• Khandu was sworn in by Governor K.T. Parnaik in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J.P. Nadda, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, among others.

• Eleven other MLAs were also sworn in as ministers at the function held in the Dorjee Khandu State Convention Centre in Itanagar.

• The BJP returned to power in this northeastern state for the third time in a row, winning 46 seats including, ten unopposed, in the 60-member Assembly. 

• Pema Khandu was re-elected unopposed from the Mukto constituency in the border district of Tawang.

Who is Pema Khandu?

• Pema Khandu, 44, has emerged as a prominent leader in the northeastern state, especially following a constitutional crisis in 2016 that resulted in the imposition of President’s rule.

• Known for his enthusiasm for sports and music, Khandu is recognised for his strategic acumen which played a crucial role in bringing the BJP to power for the first time in the northeastern state in 2016.

• His political journey commenced amidst personal tragedy, with the untimely demise of his father, former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, in a helicopter crash in 2011. 

• A history graduate from Delhi’s Hindu College, Khandu’s political ascent gained momentum when he won a by-election uncontested from his father’s constituency Mukto.

• Serving initially as the tourism minister in Nabam Tuki’s Congress government, Khandu's leadership trajectory soared following a constitutional crisis in January 2016 that led to the imposition of President’s rule.

• Upon the lifting of central rule, he became a minister in the Kalikho Pul-led government, supported by the BJP. 

• However, this government was short-lived, and Tuki was restored as Chief Minister following Supreme Court intervention. Khandu subsequently became the Chief Minister in July 2016 at the age of 37.

• In 2019, Khandu was re-elected from the Mukto assembly seat and assumed office as Chief Minister without political obstacles.

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