Comparison of Policies of UPA II (2009-2014) and NDA (2014-2018) in Arunachal Pradesh
Keywords:
Arunachal Pradesh, UPA II, NDA, North-East India, border infrastructure, Act East Policy, regional development, strategic governanceAbstract
This study presents a comparative analysis of the policy approaches of the United Progressive Alliance II (2009–2014) and the National Democratic Alliance (2014–2018) in Arunachal Pradesh, a strategically significant border state in India’s North-East. The research examines differences and continuities in developmental, infrastructural, and strategic policies affecting the state, with particular attention to connectivity, border area development, socio-economic welfare, and national security considerations. The findings indicate that the UPA II regime emphasised inclusive growth and welfare-oriented programmes aimed at reducing regional disparities, while the NDA period reflected a stronger focus on strategic infrastructure, accelerated connectivity, and integration under the Act East framework. The comparative assessment highlights that both regimes contributed to Arunachal Pradesh’s development, yet differed in implementation intensity, strategic framing, and governance mechanisms. The study underscores how shifts in central political leadership influenced the balance between welfare expansion and infrastructure-led strategic integration in shaping the state’s developmental trajectory.
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