Politician who buys votes never delivers: Arunachal CM

Money should never be a "determining factor" in elections, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said today, appealing to the people to avoid voting for leaders who lure them with money.

A leader who buys votes will never deliver, he said at a function, organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association, to pay tribute to Reverend Brother Prem Bhai.

"A politician who buys his votes will try to recover the money once he is elected to power. People should vote for leaders with good intentions, cutting across political lines," the CM said.

Khandu also requested religious leaders, who were present there on the occasion, to guide people in making correct decisions.

"Messages are best conveyed through religious leaders as people respect them for their moral high grounds," he said.

He urged people to adopt politics as a profession and not be "subsumed" into it.

Khandu also acknowledged the contributions of different missionaries in the development of Arunachal, saying the state government would always help organizations that work for the benefit of people.

Talking about Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act or the Anti-Conversion Law that was passed in 1978, the Chief Minister said the law could "undermine" secularism.

Khandu assured people that he would pitch for the repeal of 1978 Act in the next Assembly session, as the law, according to him, could be "misused in future by irresponsible officials".

"Any misuse of the law could trigger large-scale violence in the state and could break Arunachal into pieces," the CM said.

He announced a donation of Rs 10 lakh from Dorjee Khandu trust for building an ashram (religious retreat) in memory of Prem Bhai.

Environment and Forest Minister Nabam Rebia and Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Takam Sanjoy were among others present on the occasion.