Pema Khandu Sworn in as Arunachal Pradesh’s Youngest CM

37-year-old Pema Khandu is also India’s youngest chief minister.

Pema Khandu, the country’s youngest chief minister, being sworn in by Governor Tathagata Roy. (Photo Courtesy: Anjana Dutta)

Pema Khandu was sworn in on Sunday as the ninth Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, marking the culmination of fast-paced political developments in the north-eastern state.

Chowna Mein was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister.

Son of late Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, 37-year-old Pema, the youngest chief minister in the country, and Mein were administered the oath by Governor Tathagata Roy at the Rajbhavan in Itanagar.

Hours ahead of the scheduled floor test in the Assembly on Saturday, which Chief Minister Nabam Tuki was directed to take, the Congress Legislature Party had elected Pema Khandu in place of Tuki, who was restored to the Chief Minister’s post earlier this week after the apex court verdict.

Pema then staked claim to power on the basis of the support of 45 party MLAs along with two independents.

In a volte-face, ousted chief minister Khaliko Pul, also returned to the party fold with 30 dissident MLAs.

In the 60-member House with an effective strength of 58, Congress now claims the support of 47 MLAs, including two independents.