October 12, 2024
October 12, 2024
*Staff REPORTER*
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: Newly appointed Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Takam Sanjoy on Tuesday exuded confidence to bring back the lost glory of the party in the state to the right track.
“Our MLAs who have been ‘transported’ to the present BJP government will not speak a word against us as they entered politics through Congress and I am sure that they will return home soon,” Sanjoy said after receiving a rousing welcome by party functionaries at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here.
Sanjoy replaced Padi Richo who has been holding the post since July 2014.
Hundreds of Congress supporters thronged the Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan to welcome Sanjoy who on March 10 last was appointed the president of APCC.
Sanjoy, who right away spoke to reporters after assuming office while thanking AICC president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi for their faith on him said, “Taking over the responsibility of a chief is not an easy task as a lot of hard work along with vigor would be required to take the party forward.”
He asserted that the state still has two MPs from the Congress and the party could utilize their constitutional knowledge and voice at the highest level.
Condemning rumours that the Congress MLAs have joined BJP fearing that the Centre would not provide funds to the state government, Sanjoy said, “No such amendment or law exist which states that the BJP can stop sending funds to a state for its development.”
The new APCC chief on the occasion also announced that his party’s current mission is to visit villages and meet people as the Panchayati Raj elections are knocking on the door.
Speaking on the occasion, former president Richo expressed hope that the party would see drastic changes under Sanjoy’s leadership.
“With him (Sanjoy) taking charge, it’s time for Congress to have its acche din,” said Richo.
Born on May 15, 1967, at Sangram in Kra-Daadi district, Arunachal Pradesh, Sanjoy has held many significant positions in the party right from the grassroots level.
Apart from being an MP for two consecutive terms and a cabinet minister, Sanjoy has also been a member of Standing Committee on External Affairs, Consultative Committee on Power, Committee on Government Assurances and Core Member of International Network of Parliamentarians on Tibet etc.
He was also the general secretary and vice president of Pradesh Congress Committee in the 2002 and 2003 respectively.
Meanwhile, dampening the celebrations, APCC vice president T C Tok in an unexpected move tendered his resignation during the day which took all the party cadres by surprise.
A copy of the resignation letter which was made available to the press read “I wish to resign from the post of APCC vice president (Administration and Headquarters) due to personal reasons. I have served the party for more than 21 years in various capacities and positions of secretary, general secretary and vice president, so it will be a fond memory’.
When contacted T C Tok refused to comment on the reason behind his resignation and said that it was his personal decision.
“I have no problems whatsoever with any of the APCC leaders. I am a true soldier of the Congress and shall continue to serve it with outmost sincerity,” he said.
Sanjoy, in his reaction said that he had no information of the same. He, however, claimed that many would join the Congress after him assuming office.
“I will take all the party leaders and workers into confidence so that the party runs smoothly,” Sanjoy added.
