Congress retains power in Arunachal Pradesh

The ruling Congress Party retained power in Arunachal, winning 31 of 53 seats declared after Thursday's elections to the 60-member House.

The ruling Congress Party retained power in Arunachal Pradesh, winning 31 of the 53 seats declared as counting of votes continued on Monday.

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"This is a victory for good governance and stability for which the Congress
stands for," Chief Minister Gegong Apang, who is tipped to continue in the
post, said.

Elections to the 60-member state assembly were held on Thursday.

The main Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to win six seats
while independents pulled off surprise victories in at least 13 constituencies.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), an ally of the Congress, won two seats and the regional Arunachal Congress one seat.

At least nine of the 13 independents who won were rebel Congress candidates who contested the polls after being denied the party ticket.

On Monday, 12 independents offered their unconditional support to Apang,
thereby putting at rest all speculations about their role.