Itanagar, March 14: New Arunachal PCC president Takam Sanjoy was given a grand felicitation after assuming office here today.

"Our MLAs who have been transported to the present BJP state government will not speak a word against us, as they entered politics through the Congress, and I am sure that they will return home soon," he said.

Sanjoy replaced Padi Richo, who has been holding the post since July 2014.

Hundreds of Congress supporters thronged the Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here to welcome Sanjoy, who was appointed state president on March 10.

The unexpected resignation of PCC vice-president T.C. Tok somewhat dampened the celebrations.

Thanking AICC president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi for their faith in him, Sanjoy said: "Taking over the responsibility of a chief is not an easy task as a lot of hard work along with vigour would be required to take the party forward."

He said the state still has two MPs from the Congress and the party can utilise their constitutional knowledge and voice at the highest level.

On reports that Congress MLAs joined the BJP fearing that the Centre would not provide funds to the state government, Sanjoy said: "No such amendment or law exists which states that the BJP can stop sending funds to a state for its development." He said his party's current mission was to visit villages and meet people as the panchayat elections are knocking on the door.

Richo hoped the party would see drastic changes under Sanjoy's leadership.

"With him (Sanjoy) taking charge, it's time for the Congress to have its acche din (good days)," Richo said.

Born on May 15, 1967, at Sangram in Kra-Daadi district, Sanjoy has held many significant positions in the party. Apart from being an MP for two consecutive terms and a cabinet minister, he has been a member of the Standing Committee on External Affairs, Consultative Committee on Power, Committee on Government Assurances and Core Member of International Network of Parliamentarians on Tibet. He was also the general secretary and vice-president of the PCC in 2002 and 2003.

A copy of PCC vice-president T.C. Tok's resignation letter, which was made available to the press, read: "I wish to resign from the post of APCC vice-president (administration and headquarters) due to personal reasons. I have served the party for more than 21 years in various capacities and positions of secretary, general secretary and vice-president, so it will be a fond memory." Tok refused to comment on the reasons behind his resignation and said it was his personal decision.

Sanjoy, in his reaction, said he had no information about the issue. He, however, claimed that many will join the Congress after he assumes office. "I will take all the party leaders and workers into confidence so that the party runs smoothly," he added.