Digboi: Vijaynagar valley in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district on Sunday delivered a verdict that may redefine the contours of local politics, as independent candidate Bhagat Chetry was elected as the first Gorkha Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM) from the area, marking a historic breakthrough in the region’s grassroots governance.
Chetry’s victory in the recently concluded zilla parishad elections came against formidable odds. In a politically charged, five-cornered contest, he defeated candidates backed by major political parties, including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), signalling a decisive shift in voter sentiment and a growing preference for community-oriented leadership over party affiliations.
According to official results, 3,350 votes were polled in the Vijaynagar constituency. Chetry secured a commanding 1,522 votes, while BJP nominee Ngiyonu Yobin finished second with 918 votes. Congress candidate Atibosa Yobin managed 131 votes. Among the remaining independent contenders, Ngwayoja Yobin polled 698 votes and Manjil Thakuri received 35 votes.
Chetry’s victory margin stood at a comfortable 606 votes, underlining the strength of his mandate.
The outcome is particularly significant given Vijaynagar’s long-standing perception as a BJP stronghold. Political observers said Chetry’s independent win reflects a maturing electorate willing to rise above party loyalty and identity politics in favour of trust, performance, and inclusivity.
More than an electoral milestone, Chetry’s ascent carries considerable social resonance. Vijaynagar, the easternmost administrative circle of Changlang district, has witnessed intermittent strains in relations between the Gorkha and Yobin communities over the years. Although the two groups have coexisted for decades, divisive rhetoric by fringe elements has occasionally disrupted communal harmony.
Chetry’s election is widely being interpreted as a popular mandate against such divisions and a collective endorsement of coexistence. Many local leaders believe the result could serve as a catalyst for renewed dialogue and reconciliation between communities.
Expressing gratitude after his victory, Chetry said his success was rooted in cross-community support.
“This win was possible only because people voted beyond community lines,” he said. “I am especially grateful to Yobin voters who supported me. This mandate belongs to the entire valley.”
During the campaign, Chetry had consistently emphasised peace, change, and communal harmony, themes he reaffirmed in his post-election remarks. He pledged to prioritise social cohesion alongside development, stating that sustainable progress was impossible without trust among communities.
On governance, Chetry said he would work in coordination with local MLA Kamlung Mossang and all elected gram panchayat members, regardless of party affiliation, to ensure the smooth rollout of welfare and development schemes.
“Most gram panchayat members here are from the BJP,” he noted. “That will not be an obstacle. Development must not be politicised. Government schemes should reach every eligible family.”
Looking ahead, Chetry said he remained confident of constructive cooperation from Yobin leaders and other stakeholders. His leadership style, marked by consultation and consensus-building, is being seen as a departure from confrontational politics.
In a move aimed at reinforcing unity, Chetry announced that he would convene a post-Christmas public meeting, inviting all elected panchayat representatives, community elders, and leaders from both Gorkha and Yobin communities to collectively chart a roadmap for peace and development in Vijaynagar.
Thanking voters for a peaceful and orderly election, Chetry appealed for support from the state government, district administration, Changlang zilla parishad, and community organisations, including Singpho and Tangsa societies.
“Vijaynagar has long remained on the margins despite its potential,” he said. “With collective effort and mutual respect, we can bring lasting development and make this valley an example of harmony for the entire district.”