Dorjee Khandu was a politician who belonged to Indian National Congress. He was the sixth Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. In a special session, held in Arunachal Pradesh`s capital Itanagar, Khandu was elected the leader of the CLP by voice vote in presence of All Indian Congress Committee observers Priyaranjan Dasmunsi and Oscar Fernandes. Mr. Khandu was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Nagaland Governor K. Sankaranarayanan.
Early Life of Dorjee Khandu
Dorjee Khandu was born on 3rd March 1955 at Gyangkhar Village in Tawang district, North East Frontier Agency, India to Leki Dorjee. He was from the Monpa Tribe.
Career of Dorjee Khandu
Dorjee Khandu was in the Indian Army Intelligence Corps and worked there for more than seven years. For the meritorious intelligence services during the Bangladesh War, he was conferred a gold medal. Upto the year 1980, he was Engaged in social activities for village people of Tawang district and looked after their welfare. In the year 1980, he was selected unanimously as the First ASM 1980. He worked in same capacity till 1983. Khandu also served as the Chairman of Culture and Co-operative Societies in those years. In 1982 due to his enthusiastic efforts, cultural and co-operative societies were established in Tawang and lead the cultural troupe representing Arunachal Pradesh in Delhi for ASIAD. He was conferred silver medal for good performance. In 1980, he was selected uncontested as the First ASM. He worked there till 1983.
During his tenure Dorjee Khandu has held many positions and has been involved in many activities that are listed below:
* 1983-87: Elected uncontested as District Vice President, West Kameng district Zilla Parishad 1983-87;
* 1987-1990: Engaged in intensive social works and brought water supply, electricity, communication, schools religious institutions etc., to far flung villagers from 1987 to 1990;
* 1990: Elected uncontested to the First Legislative Assembly of the State of Arunachal Pradesh in March, 1990 from Thingbu-Mukto constituency;
* 1995: Re-elected to Second Legislative Assembly of the State of Arunachal Pradesh in March, 1995 from the same constituency; Minister of State for Cooperation from 21-03-1995.
* 1996: Cabinet Minister for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Dairy Development from 21 September 1996.
* 1998: Minister, Power from 2006-1998
* 1999: Elected to Third Legislative Assembly of the State of Arunachal Pradesh in October, 1999;
* 2002: Minister for Mines, Relief & Rehabilitation from 15 October 2002 to 27 July 2003.
* 2003: Minister for Relief & Rehabilitation and Disaster Management.
* 2004: Re-elected unopposed from Mukto constituency in 2004 assembly election; Minister, Power, NCER, and relief and rehabilitation.
On 9 April 2007, he replaced Gegong Apang as the Chief Minister of state. In 2009, he was re-elected unopposed from the same constituency and sworn in as the Chief Minister.
On 30 April 2011, the helicopter carrying him and four other people on a trip disappeared. On 4th May 2011 remnants of the crashed helicopter were found near Tawang district. He was cremated in his village as per the ritual of Monpa Buddhists.
Personal Life of Dorjee Khandu
Dorjee Khandu had four wives and seven children; two daughters and five sons
