new party Congress (Dolo) was formed. Apang formed a front called United Democratic Front consisting of himself, Congress (D), an expelled Congress MLA and two independents. In total Apang was able to gather 41 MLAs around gum, and on 3 August Apang was again sworn in as Chief Minister of the state. On 30 August Apang joined BJP] and took with his 41 MLAs. Thus BJP controlled a state government in the North-East for the first time. Arunachal Congress did however continue to exist as a party even after that the founder Apang had joined BJP. Ahead of the 2004 Lok Sabha elections AC talked about calling for a boycott, as a protest against that Chakma and Hajong refugees had been given the right to vote in the state. In the end the party did however decide to contest, this time allied with Indian National Congress. AC launched its new party president, Kamen Ringu, in Arunachal West. Ringu came second and got 76 527 votes (34,54% in that constituency). In Arunachal East INC had launched a candidate, who also came second. In the legislative assembly elections 2004 AC had put up 11 candidates, out of whom two were elected. The leadership of the party is called Arunachal Congress Working Committee (ACWC). The organization Arunachal Congress Volunteer Force is probably related to the party. Just before the 2009 Assembly election, Arunachal Congress merged with Indian National Congress. List of Chief Minister Gegong Apang: From 18 January 1980 to 19 January 1999 See also Indian National Congress breakaway parties References Defunct political parties in Arunachal Pradesh Indian National Congress breakaway groups Political parties established in 1996 1996 establishments in Arunachal Pradesh Political parties in Arunachal Pradesh