Itanagar, Dec 29 (NationPress) The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen (Retd.) K.T. Parnaik, expressed on Monday that the tranquil and orderly execution of the recent local body elections is a testament to thorough planning, efficient coordination, and effective implementation by all involved parties.

On the same day, the State Election Commissioner (SEC), Rinchin Tashi, visited the Governor at Lok Bhavan in Itanagar to provide an overview of the recently concluded Panchayati Raj and local body elections.

The Governor extended his congratulations to the SEC and his committed team for ensuring a smooth and successful election process.

He also praised the District Administrations and state police for their remarkable cooperation and dedication throughout the electoral process. Lt. General Parnaik (Retd.) stated that the peaceful conduct of the elections clearly exemplified meticulous planning, seamless coordination, and effective execution by all stakeholders.

He emphasized that beyond facilitating smooth polling, the electoral process reinforced democracy at its core by empowering individuals at the grassroots level. Through extensive participation and transparency, the State Election Commission has enabled citizens to express a meaningful voice in governance, which is a fundamental aspect of self-governance and inclusive, people-centered development.

The Governor further remarked that the free and fair conduct of the elections serves as a strong testament to the resilience of democratic values in the state. He indicated that it reaffirmed public trust in democratic institutions and showcased an unwavering commitment to upholding the will of the people without bias.

He commended the well-coordinated security measures that guaranteed a peaceful electoral atmosphere. He acknowledged the vigilance, professionalism, and dedication of the security forces, whose efforts effectively averted intimidation and violence, allowing voters to exercise their rights in a safe, secure, and confidence-inspiring environment.

The Panchayat elections, held on December 15, saw an impressive voter turnout of 74.92%, indicating active public engagement. The Municipal elections in Itanagar recorded a participation rate of 51.39%, while Pasighat achieved an even higher turnout of 60.95%.

In the meantime, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a significant victory in the local body elections in Arunachal Pradesh, securing a majority of seats in both the Zilla Parishads and Gram Panchayats.

The BJP also made a strong showing in the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) elections, winning 14 out of 20 wards. However, the local People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) claimed victory in the Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC), winning five out of eight wards, with the BJP capturing two and an Independent candidate winning one seat.

The opposition Congress did not win any seats in either the IMC or PMC elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the BJP’s remarkable performance in the local body elections. In a post on X, he expressed gratitude to the people of Arunachal Pradesh for their unwavering support for the politics of good governance and emphasized that this strengthens the party’s resolve to continue working for the state's development. He also acknowledged the tireless efforts of BJP workers in engaging with the public.