Newly-appointed Cabinet Minister Tukuni Sahu has vowed to work sincerely for the development of women and children; and at the same time, she has reiterated to stand rock solid behind the people of Balangir district, more particularly for the people of her Titilagarh constituency in future.
Winning for the second time in a row from Titilagarh, Sahu is now Minister for women and child development and Mission Shakti in the Naveen Patnaik Government. She became the first woman from Balangir district to get a Cabinet berth.
Sahu was felicitated here on Sunday by hundreds of people from Balangir district, who have settled in Cuttack. At the gathering held at the residence of advocate Satya Narayan Sahu, people from all walks of life congratulated the Minister.
Replying to the felicitations, Sahu became emotional and firmly committed that despite her Ministerial responsibilities for the women and children of the entire State, she would be readily available for the people and cause of Titilagarh whenever and wherever required.
“My constituents will be always close to my heart for the love and affection they have showered upon me during my trying times,” she said in a choked voice.
A housewife without any political penchant, Tukuni Sahu was roped into active politics in 2014 after the brutal murder of her husband, a youth BJD leader, in 2013.
She won the 2014 elections by a big margin of votes; and for her work and commitment for the development of Titilagarh, she retained the seat in last month’s elections with a larger margin.
Briefing Sahu’s work as an MLA from 2014 to 2019, Satya Narayan Sahu particularly mentioned about her commitment for improving the road communication, education, health in Titilagarh over these years. He, nevertheless, urged the Minister to take up the longstanding demand of the native people for upgrading Titilagarh into a district.