When Indian politicians and ministers promote investment and tourism in their specific regions, they usually do it at 'boring', formal events. But it seems Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu is determined to stay off the beaten track, literally, when it comes to promoting the breath-taking beauty of his state.
Little over two weeks ago, Khandu undertook a 122km journey on a Royal Enfield motorcycle from Yingkiong to Pasighat. Khandu had described it as a "humble effort" to promote tourism in Arunachal Pradesh.
On Sunday, Khandu was joined by Kiren Rijiju, a BJP colleague and another native of Arunchal Pradesh, as the duo drove in an all-terrain vehicle. Khandu and Rijiju drove 107km from Penga Teng Tso Lake to Mago in Tawang district to join Indian Army soldiers to celebrate Diwali. Khandu and Rijiju drove on snow-covered areas and steep inclines.
Khandu and Rijiju were following the lead set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has celebrated Diwali with armed forces personnel every time since he assumed office. On Sunday, Modi had celebrated Diwali with soldiers on the Line of Control in Jammu.
Khandu posted videos and photographs of their ATV journey. Khandu wrote they crossed an altitude of 15,600ft. Khandu also posted images of them distributing sweets for Diwali to Indian Army personnel posted on the border with Tibet.
Rijiju complimented Khandu on his skilled driving in a tweet on Monday. Rijiju tweeted, "It was very tough driving ATV Polaris crossing above 16,000 feet. But CM of Arunachal Pradesh @PemaKhanduBJP ji drove very fast and beautifully from PT Tso to Mago! I sat with him confidently". Rijiju also posted a close-up video of Khandu at the wheel of the ATV.
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Khandu and Rijiju visited the men of the 18 Kumaon Regiment posted at Tawang and also attended a public meeting in the evening at Mago in Tawang. Khandu praised the residents of the border areas, tweeting, "Border people are true defender of our country. Despite harsh weather and terrain, their presence in border has secured our territory. Salute to our Sentinels!"
Khandu and Rijiju also left their ATV and walked 18km in Tawang as part of the local BJP unit's Gandhi Sankalp Yatra.