Hope and aspirations were rising sky high when Pema Khandu was sworn in as the chief minister of the state two years ago amidst high drama.  Ghastly, the state witnessed three Chief Ministers, four Governors and numerous swearing in ceremonies held at Darbar Hall of Raj Bhavan within a year. Political pundits saw in Khandu’s accession a political transition and restoration of stability in the state. When Khandu assumed charge, the state was not only suffering from political instability but also non-development. Due to political instability the administration was at a standstill. This led to a halt to whatever little development activities were there. Thus, a lot of hope was pinned on the young shoulders of the new chief minister.

Two eventful years have passed into history since then and a lot of water had flowed down the River Siang. With another election to the state assembly approaching fast, it is time to take stock of what has been achieved by the Khandu government and what not. While everyone will concede that political stability was his greatest achievement since he was able to keep together a group of politicians who were always at each other’s throats like spiders waiting at the sinister cobwebs waiting for their prey. 

At the same time, he was also able to bring a semblance of unity among different tribal communities of the state so that peace and tranquility of the state and inter and intra tribal amenities are maintained. Moreover, there has been a plethora of central-government sponsored programmes for the welfare of the people which needed a sincere leadership for their implementation at the grass root level. However, the implementation of the schemes was not up to the desired level, one can vouch safe. Added to it are the state government’s flagship programmes which the Chief Minister often announces. If the Central government schemes are properly implemented then there won’t be any need for such locally announced schemes as the Central schemes encompass almost all walks of life and development. While emphasizing digitalization and smart schools, it will be better to concentrate on 24x7 uninterrupted electricity supply because without electricity digitalization cannot succeed. Instead of smart schools, the government should concentrate on repairing the dilapidated schools strewn in every nook and cranny of the state. That will be a smart administration.