Naxalbari, 25th June: Trinamool Congress leader Sanjeet Mahato was elected as the new Pradhan of the Upper Bagdogra Gram Panchayat in Naxalbari on Thursday after securing unanimous support in a trust vote.
Mahato, who had been serving as the Upa Pradhan, was elevated to the top post following the resignation of former Pradhan Sanjib Sinha earlier this month.
In the 2022 Panchayat elections, the 21-member Upper Bagdogra Gram Panchayat saw the Trinamool Congress win 11 seats, Congress secure 7 seats, BJP win 2 seats, and the Adivasi Vikas Parishad claim 1 seat. With a majority, the Trinamool Congress formed the board and Sanjib Sinha became the Pradhan.
However, on May 25, a group of 13 panchayat members submitted a no-confidence motion. The proposal was backed by dissident Trinamool Congress members and Congress representatives and was submitted to the Naxalbari BDO. Subsequently, Sanjib Sinha resigned from the post of Pradhan on June 5.
During Thursday’s election for the new Pradhan, 19 members were present in the 21-member board. Mahato received all 19 votes and was elected unanimously. Notably, he also received support from BJP and Congress panchayat members.
Lakshmi Sinha Thapa, Leader of the Opposition in the Gram Panchayat, expressed hope that development work would now be carried out effectively. She added that another no-confidence motion could be brought in the future if expectations were not met.
BJP panchayat member Sujata Inder said that the party’s two elected members had supported the newly elected Pradhan and expressed optimism that development work would take place.
After assuming office, Sanjeet Mahato said he wanted to work together with all members for the overall development of the area.