Itanagar, Jan 29: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday stressed the importance of discipline, ideological understanding, and grassroots empowerment while addressing a state-level orientation programme for newly elected zilla parishad chairpersons, members, and gram panchayat chairpersons.

Khandu congratulated the BJP for its strong performance in the recent panchayat elections, noting the party’s dominant presence across the state. He also highlighted the entry of many first-time representatives, including graduates and postgraduates, into the panchayati raj system.

The orientation programme aims to provide leaders with clarity on party ideology, responsibilities, conduct, and coordination with government systems. The department plans to conduct separate training sessions as part of this initiative.

Describing the BJP as a “party with a difference” guided by ‘nation first’ principles, Khandu contrasted it with others that prioritize power over public service. He traced Arunachal Pradesh’s democratic development since 1972 and noted rapid progress in the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

“Development is continuous, but its pace depends on governance quality,” Khandu said, urging the new representatives to strengthen grassroots democratic institutions amid noticeable governance improvements over the last ten years.