Newly-elected GHADC members take oath
Tura: All 29 newly elected members to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Coincil on Monday took the oath of office on a day of bonhomie and cheer as members from different political parties set aside their political differences to complete the formalities and enter the august House.
The oath of secrecy was administered to each member by West Garo Hills deputy commissioner and GHADC returning officer Pravin Bakshi, beginning with elected independent MDC from Siju Kenadik S Marak and ending with Williamnagar MDC Denang T Sangma of the NPP.
The NPP led alliance currently has 16 MDCs in its camp after Independent Devier Sangma withdrew from the group. Devier who was elected from Gasuapara seat is the brother of sitting Baghmara MLA Samual Sangma.
Despite a drop in the numbers game, the NPP with 10 MDCs also has 3 GNC, 2 Independents and a lone BJP member in its group.
“Two other Independents have sent us feelers expressing their willingness to join our alliance. You will know them soon,” claimed Conrad Sangma while refusing to divulge their names.
The oath taking ceremony which took place inside council session hall was witnessed by a large number of people and supporters of the elected representatives.
Sitting NPP MLA from Songsak Nihim D Shira and Conrad K Sangma, leader of Garo Hills Progressive Alliance (GHPA) were the only two senior politicians present at the swearing-in ceremony.
Congress leader Zenith M Sangma was conspicuous with his absence on a day his wife and new Dengnakpara MDC of the Congress Sadhia Rani M Sangma took oath.
Likewise, the architect of the new alliance who helped bring in the largest number of seats to the NPP kitty, P A Sangma was also absent from the swearing in. His wife, Soradini K Sangma, filled in for him by being present with a women’s delegation at the oath taking venue.
On the same day, the GHPA candidate and Nogorpara MDC Boston Marak filed his nomination paper for the post of Council Chairman.
The election for the post of Chairman is scheduled for October 21.
“Yes our candidate has submitted his nomination papers and if everything goes down well he should emerge victorious,” said Conrad Sangma.
So far the opposition Congress has not revealed whether it plans to contest the Chairman’s post.