Ranchi: Former Education Minister Jagannath Mahato’s wife Baby Devi took oath as the 11th minister in the state. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Darbar Hall of Raj Bhavan. Governor CP Radhakrishnan administered her the oath of office and secrecy.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren along with several cabinet ministers and state administrative officials were present on the occasion. Baby Devi took the oath of office and secrecy in Hindi. The program was organized at the Raj Bhavan from the scheduled time.
On the occasion, a large number of supporters of Late Jagannath Mahato and Baby Devi were present at the main gate of Raj Bhavan. Lot of enthusiasm was seen among the people. Supporters raised slogans in the name of Jagannath Mahato.
According to the workers, CM Hemant Soren has taken a historic decision. Education and Product Minister Jagarnath Mahato died on April 6 during treatment in Chennai. Jagarnath Mahato was the MLA from Dumri assembly constituency. For 90 days after his death, speculations were going on regarding the Dumri assembly elections and the swearing in of the ministerial post.
Baby Devi, who is going to take over her husband’s legacy, is the wife of late Jagarnath Mahato. Baby has two brothers and a sister, she is the youngest. She was married to Jagarnath Mahato in 1979 at an early age.
At that time Jagarnath Mahato was studying in middle school. After the demise of her husband, she has been actively participating in party programs in her Dumri assembly constituency for the last two and a half months along with her son, Akhilesh Mahto.
Baby Devi has four daughters and one son. Among them the eldest daughters are Sunita Devi, Reena Devi, Poonam Devi and Geeta Devi. All the four daughters are married. Son of Akhilesh Mahato alias Raju is the youngest.