New Delhi, Aug 09: Bharatiya Janata Party president M Venkaiah Naidu today welcomed the decision of newly installed Gegong Apang led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Arunachal Pradesh to become a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre. Apang, the new chief minister of Arunchal Pradesh today met the BJP chief at party headquarters this morning to convey the decision formally.

''I welcome UDF to be the part of NDA and hope that Apang-led UDF government in Arunachal Pradesh will work for the prosperity to the state and fulfill people's aspirations,'' Naidu told the reporters after half an hour meeting with Apang.

Naidu and Apang said that they would discuss matters with regard to the development of the region and other related issues after the Apang government secured vote of confidence in the assembly.

The two leaders said that it was a courtesy visit with Apang being in Delhi for the first time after having being sworn in as the cm on August 3.
Apang said that the Arunachal Congress was already a part of NDA being one of its founder members. The members of UDF later decided to work in tandem with NDA, he added.

History was repeated in Arunachal Pradesh, with Gegong Apang whose 19-year record rule was broken by Mukut Mithi four years ago, triumphantly returning as the chief minister after the defeat of the Mithi government on the floor of house in a voice vote on August 2.

Fifty six-year-old Apang has claimed support of 38 defected Congress MLAs and also three independents including his erstwhile arch rival L Wanglat.
He was sworn in along with 32 ministers of cabinet rank and three ministers of state, including 20 of 22 members of the Mukut Mithi ministry who switched loyalties.

Apang will also meet Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajapayee and NDA leader and Defence Minister George Fernandes before leaving for Itanagar tomorrow.

Bureau Report