Congress expands political footprint with ADP merger in Arunachal Pradesh

The Arunachal Democratic Party (ADP), founded in 2017 by former chief minister Gegong Apang , on Monday formally merged with the Indian National Congress , with all its office-bearers and members joining the party en masse at an induction ceremony here.

Announcing the merger, ADP president Tami Pangu said the decision was guided by ideological conviction and faith in the Congress’s commitment to democracy, secularism and constitutional values. He described the move as more than a political realignment, calling it an effort to safeguard democratic institutions and strengthen constitutional governance.

The development will not, however, have any impact on the Congress’s numerical strength in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly, as the ADP does not have representation in the House , where the Congress currently has one MLA.

The former ADP members were formally welcomed into the party fold by Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bosiram Siram in the presence of senior state leaders and party functionaries. Siram assured the new entrants of equal responsibility and opportunity within the party organisation, describing the mass induction as a new chapter in state politics.

Explaining the rationale behind the merger, ADP leaders said it was driven by ideological alignment with the Congress and the need for a stronger opposition platform in the state. With no MLAs of its own, the ADP lacked legislative influence, and joining the Congress would allow its leaders to more effectively raise key state-specific issues, including a review of Article 371(H) , concerns over large hydropower projects, alleged illegal mining, unemployment, inflation and corruption. They said the move would also help consolidate opposition to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Arunachal Pradesh.

Even from the opposition benches, Congress leaders said the merger would strengthen the party by expanding its organisational base, unifying the anti-BJP political space, sharpening issue-based politics and preparing the ground for a future electoral comeback in the state.

Pangu thanked Apang for providing them with a political platform and expressed appreciation for the Congress’s national leadership, including AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi . He also credited Siram’s leadership and the state Congress’s consistent opposition to the BJP government as factors influencing the decision.

The newly inducted leaders pledged to work for people-centric governance, transparency and inclusive development, asserting that the merger would strengthen the Congress organisation and its outreach across Arunachal Pradesh.