Tura, April 22: Having secured a resounding win against the opposition Congress for the top position of Chief Executive Member of the GHADC, Raksamgre MDC Benedic R Marak has assured the elected members of the new house that he and his Executive Committee would do everything necessary to ensure the oldest political and autonomous institution of Garo Hills returns to its glorious days.

The NPP alliance chief Benedic R Marak defeated Congress candidate Sadhiarani Sangma by 16 votes to 12 during voting in a house of 28 MDCs that was chaired by new Chairman Rakesh A Sangma.

BJP MDC from Tura Bernard Marak voted in favour of the NPP candidate during the election.

“A lot of issues are plaguing the GHADC and it is my duty and that of our new EC to look into each of them and find a solution. It is no easy task but we have already begun the process of reforms in the council which will help streamline its functioning in the long run,” said CEM Benedic Marak after he was announced the new chief of GHADC.

He said that the guardian of Garo society and its culture and traditions lie with the district council and every effort must be made to preserve and also showcase to the world the beauty of the Garo tribe.

“I assure the house that I shall take each and every one of you along in the decision making process. We are all here for the interest of the people of Garo Hills,” said CEM Marak.

A host of MDCs, including Congress MDC Sadhiarani Sangma, Cherak Momin, BJP MDCs Pramod Koch and Bernard Marak, Williamnagar Congress MDC Alphonus Marak, Independent Natawal Marak, NPP MDC Dhormonath Sangma, Congress MDC Stevie Marak and NPP MDC from Siju Albinush R Marak.