In a major development ahead of the upcoming Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) elections scheduled for December 15, 2025, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Arunachal Pradesh has denied a ticket to the sitting Mayor of Itanagar, Tame Phassang, for the mayoral post.
The party officially released its complete list of candidates for the 20-ward IMC election late Tuesday evening. The BJP has fielded Kipa Takum as its candidate for the prestigious Itanagar Mayor post.
Key Highlights from the BJP Candidate List
- Mayor (Itanagar): Kipa Takum
- Deputy Mayor (Itanagar): Tarh Achak (ward yet to be specified in official communication)
The party has announced candidates for all 20 wards of the Itanagar Municipal Corporation. Notable inclusions and exclusions have already sparked discussions within political circles and among party workers.
Ward-Wise BJP Candidates for IMC 2025
| Ward No. | Candidate Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lokam Anand | |
| 2 | Techi Taya | |
| 3 | Gyamar Taba | |
| 4 | Yumlam Achung | |
| 5 | Mope Yomso | |
| 6 | Gora Lotak | |
| 7 | Kipa Takum (Mayor candidate, contesting from this ward) | |
| 8 | Tarh Achak (Dy. Mayor candidate) | |
| 9 | Michi Taji | |
| 10 | Techi Hemu | |
| 11 | Taba Yall | |
| 12 | Likha Tana | |
| 13 | Techi Tatu | |
| 14 | Haa Tatu | |
| 15 | Kipa Mama | |
| 16 | Nania Achung | |
| 17 | Tsering Lhamu | |
| 18 | Tsering Yangchen | |
| 19 | Biri Nasi | |
| 20 | Millo Yaja |
The decision to drop incumbent Mayor Tame Phassang has surprised many, as he has been associated with the BJP and held the mayoral position since the last IMC elections. Party sources indicate that the change is part of internal organisational strategy and a move to infuse fresh leadership in the capital’s civic body.
The BJP’s candidate selection committee, chaired by state party president Biyuram Wahge, finalised the list after extensive consultations. The party has expressed confidence in securing a strong mandate in the IMC polls, citing its development work in the capital region under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
With the Model Code of Conduct already in force, campaigning is expected to intensify in the coming days. Other political parties, including the Congress and regional outfits, are yet to announce their full candidate lists for the IMC elections.
The simultaneous Panchayat and Municipal elections on December 15 will be a crucial test for political parties in Arunachal Pradesh, especially in urban centres like Itanagar and Pasighat.
(Source: India Today NE)
