Hagrama sworn in as BTC chief for 2nd term

KOKRAJHAR, April 27 – In a colourful ceremonial function, Hagrama Mohilary, BPF supremo took oath of office as chief executive member (CEM) of BTC for the second consecutive term after being re-elected in the BTC election held on April 9 last.

Thirteen other Cabinet colleagues of the council were also sworn in at the BTC secretariat field at Bodofa Nagar at about 11.20 am. The oath was administered by Naba Kumar Das, Chief Secretary to the State Government in the presence of Governor JB Patnaik, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Meghalaya Governor RS Mooshahary and Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said the alliance between the Bodoland Peoples’ Forum (BPF), led by Mohilary and the Congress in the State Government would continue and this was a positive step for the development of the BTC area.

“We are hopeful that the alliance between Congress and BPF along with seat adjustments will continue in the forthcoming Assembly elections likely to be held next year,” Gogoi said.

He also pointed out that considerable development has taken place in BTC area but problems still exist and “the newly elected members under Mohilary’s leadership must strive hard to bring peace and development in the region’’.

Governor Patnaik thanked the people for cooperating with the authorities in holding the BTC polls in a relatively peaceful manner and urged the newly elected members to ensure all-round development in the four districts under BTC.

The BPF had won 31 of the 40 seats while its ally the Congress won two seats.

Speaking on the occasion, Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma reiterated their concern for development in the BTC area in neighbouring Assam.