Tankeshwar Rabha took oath as the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) for the third consecutive term today. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the RHAC secretariat in Dudhnoi, where a large number of supporters, community leaders, and officials gathered to witness the event. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the ceremony as the chief guest and extended his congratulations to the newly elected members of the council.
The Chief Minister lauded Tankeshwar Rabha for his leadership and consistent service to the Rabha community. He praised the council’s development efforts and expressed hope that the new term would further strengthen grassroots governance in the region. He said the government recognises the importance of inclusive administration and community-led growth, especially in tribal and autonomous regions.
The newly elected members of the RHAC also took oath alongside their leader. The Chief Minister, while addressing the gathering, emphasised the significance of preserving the unique identity and cultural legacy of the Rabha people. He reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting the council with infrastructure, education, and welfare initiatives.
In his speech, Chief Minister Sarma pushed for Constitutional status for the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council. He stressed that granting such recognition would empower the council to function with more authority and ensure the proper implementation of development projects. He assured the people that the state government would raise this demand with the Centre and work towards securing it in the near future. According to him, Constitutional status would open new doors for administrative autonomy and financial allocation, helping the council realise its full potential.
Tankeshwar Rabha thanked the people for reposing their faith in his leadership. He called his third term a responsibility rather than a privilege. He pledged to continue working for the socio-economic upliftment of the Rabha Hasong region. He also acknowledged the Chief Minister’s continued support and assured him that the council would align its efforts with the broader development vision of the state government.
The crowd cheered as Tankeshwar Rabha outlined his priorities for the new term. He promised to focus on health, education, agriculture, and job creation. He said the council would speed up implementation of key welfare schemes and improve transparency in local governance. He also urged community members to actively participate in the region’s growth and hold the council accountable.
Cultural performances by local artists marked the celebration, showcasing the vibrant traditions of the Rabha community. Residents from nearby villages gathered outside the secretariat premises to celebrate the occasion, while officials ensured tight security and smooth conduct of the ceremony.
The Chief Minister interacted with the public after the formal event. He visited a few local stalls and praised the handicrafts and produce displayed by self-help groups. He said such community-driven enterprises need to be promoted further, especially among tribal youth and women. He assured continued government assistance to local entrepreneurs in the region.
The event ended with a symbolic pledge taken by the council members and the public to uphold the principles of integrity, equality, and sustainable development. The atmosphere remained festive and hopeful throughout the day, as people expressed optimism about the future of the Rabha Hasong area under renewed leadership.
With Tankeshwar Rabha at the helm once again and the state government’s active backing, the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council looks set to deepen its developmental impact. As the demand for Constitutional recognition gains momentum, the coming days may bring significant changes for the region, both in policy and in practice. The day’s events not only celebrated a leader’s return but also ignited fresh aspirations for stronger self-governance and dignified progress.
The renewed focus on granting Constitutional status to the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council has sparked fresh political dialogue across Assam. Leaders from various tribal organisations have welcomed the Chief Minister’s statement and urged the state government to take immediate steps to present the case before the central government. They believe such recognition will bring long-term stability and strengthen the legal framework that governs the council’s functioning.
Legal experts and political analysts have also joined the conversation. Some have pointed out that several other autonomous councils in the Northeast continue to function without full Constitutional backing, which limits their financial and legislative powers. They argue that granting such status to RHAC would set a precedent for empowering indigenous communities across the region, ensuring better delivery of governance and protection of ethnic identities.
Tankeshwar Rabha’s third term carries not just the weight of experience, but also the expectation of transformative leadership. He now faces the dual challenge of accelerating development while also navigating the political process for Constitutional elevation. His rapport with both the community and the state leadership may play a crucial role in achieving this milestone. Observers have noted his steady rise in regional politics and believe his leadership will remain central to the future of the Rabha Hasong region.
The council secretariat in Dudhnoi, usually a space for administration, turned into a centre of cultural pride and political energy. Locals who attended the ceremony expressed their support with traditional attire, festive music, and enthusiastic slogans. Youth groups presented performances that reflected the community’s history and struggle for autonomy, reinforcing a sense of unity and purpose.
In the coming weeks, the newly sworn-in council members are expected to hold their first official session under Tankeshwar Rabha’s leadership. Early reports suggest that the council will prioritise drafting a five-year development blueprint, focusing on infrastructure upgrades, tribal education, irrigation, and digital governance. The council also plans to collaborate more closely with state agencies to ensure smoother implementation of centrally sponsored schemes.
As the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council enters this new chapter, expectations run high. The people look forward to stronger governance, better representation, and a future where their cultural identity is not only protected but celebrated through empowered institutions. Tankeshwar Rabha’s leadership, combined with the state’s political will, may well define a new era for the Rabha Hasong region—one that balances tradition, rights, and modern progress.