Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma recently unveiled a statue of former Assam Chief Minister Bishnuram Medhi, a freedom fighter and social reformer, and also the first Assamese Governor, often hailed as the Iron Man of Assam, at Bharalitola in Hajo in Kamrup district.
In 1950, after the demise of the first Chief Minister of Assam, Gopinath Bordoloi , Bishnu Ram Medhi was elected Chief Minister of the State and served from 1950 to 1957. In 1958, Medhi was appointed as Governor of Madras and thus became the first Assamese Governor of an Indian State.
Dr. Sarma thanked the committee members responsible for erecting the seven-foot statue and the residents of Hajo for their support in making this vision a reality.
The Chief Minister narrated how Medhi was a rightful successor to Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi. “Bishnuram Medhi undertook the responsibility of continuing Bordoloi’s unfinished work, demonstrating exceptional dedication by transforming challenges into accomplishments. Medhi devoted his life to fostering unity among Assam’s diverse communities. Medhi also worked tirelessly to expel illegal immigrants from the State. Before his death, Medhi donated all his savings to the people of Assam,” said the Chief Minister.
Dr. Sarma emphasised the crucial roles of Gopinath Bordoloi and Bishnuram Medhi in opposing the rehabilitation policy propounded by Md Sadullah for the migrants. Dr. Sarma termed Medhi as an astute political figure of the State.
The Assam Chief Minister also pointed to major works during the tenure of Medhi as Chief Minister. Dr. Sarma said the second Chief Minister of the State amended the Assam Land Revenue Act to protect tribal communities and played a key role as Revenue Minister in shaping significant public welfare legislation, such as the Ceiling Act, Urban Rights Act, Relief Act, and Zamindari Acquisition Act. “Under Medhi’s leadership, the Brahmaputra bridge, Umkru Hydropower Project, and Guwahati Refinery were initiated,” added Dr. Sarma.
The Chief Minister announced that the upcoming bridge over the Brahmaputra connecting Palasbari and Sualkuchi would be named in Medhi’s honour. Additionally, he approved funding for a memorial compound in Medhi’s memory and mentioned that the proposal to rename the Guwahati Railway Station after Medhi would be submitted to the Union Government.
