Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 13: The Congress party secured a significant political victory in the election for the posts of Adhyaksh of the North & Middle Andaman Zilla Parishad held today at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, North & Middle Andaman. While Congress won the post of Adhyaksh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured the Up-Adhyaksha seat.
Congress candidate and Zilla Parishad Member from Baratang constituency, Mr. R. Alager Swamy, was elected as the new Adhyaksh of North & Middle Andaman Zilla Parishad. BJP candidate and Zilla Parishad Member from Kishorinagar constituency, Ms Arpona Roy, was elected as the Up-Adhyaksha.
Soon after the results were announced, jubilant scenes were witnessed outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office premises as Congress supporters celebrated the victory with slogans and cheers. Party workers welcomed the newly elected Adhyaksh Mr. Alager Swamy with flower garlands and sweets.
According to sources, despite having only seven members in the 17-member Zilla Parishad, Congress candidate Mr. Alager Swamy secured a total of 11 votes, indicating support from members beyond the party’s strength.
Speaking to the media after the election, newly elected Adhyaksh Mr. Alager Swamy described the victory as the result of the collective efforts of the Congress party. He said the win was not merely his personal achievement but a victory for the entire Congress family and the people of North & Middle Andaman.
He stated that senior party leaders, Zilla Parishad members and party workers worked together strategically during the election, which ultimately resulted in the party’s success. He expressed gratitude to ANTCC President Mr. Rangalal Halder and other leaders and workers for their support and efforts.
Mr. Alager Swamy said his primary focus would be to accelerate developmental works in North & Middle Andaman. He pointed out that several road sector projects had remained pending over the past four years due to inadequate funding, affecting overall development in the region. He assured that priority would be given to improving road infrastructure and expediting stalled works.
He further stated that although the youth of North & Middle Andaman possess considerable talent and sporting potential, there is a lack of proper playgrounds and sports facilities. He said improving sports infrastructure for the youth would also remain one of his priorities.
Highlighting the tourism sector, Mr. Alager Swamy said areas such as Diglipur, Long Island and several other parts of North & Middle Andaman have immense tourism potential, but expected development has not yet taken place. He said efforts would be made to promote tourism and generate employment opportunities in the region.
Mr. Alager Swamy also emphasized that all 17 members of the Zilla Parishad would work together for the development of the district, rising above political differences in the larger interest of the people.
On the occasion, ANTCC President Mr. Rangalal Halder claimed that the party has been witnessing continuous success in various recent local body elections across the Islands. They termed the result as a sign of growing public support in favour of Congress and expressed confidence that the party would emerge stronger in the coming years.
