Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the expansion of the state Council of Ministers on June 5. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a historic third term on May 4 with a commanding majority of 102 seats in the 126-member Assembly. Himanta Biswa Sarma recently took the oath as the Chief Minister of Assam for his second consecutive term.
The Council currently consists of only four ministers apart from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The upcoming expansion is expected to fill vacant berths in the Council of Ministers and may involve the redistribution of portfolios among existing ministers. The expansion announcement has led to speculations about possible inductions and changes in the BJP-led government.
Senior BJP leader Rameswar Teli has been allocated key departments including Transformation and Development, Labour Welfare, and Tea Tribes and Adivasi Welfare. Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) President Atul Bora has been assigned crucial departments like Panchayat and Rural Development, Implementation of Assam Accord, Border Protection and Development, and Excise. Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) leader Charan Boro will oversee the Transport department and the Welfare of Bodoland.
Ajanta Neog, another senior BJP leader, has been given charge of the Women and Child Development and Tourism departments. The allocation of portfolios is seen as significant in the context of the government’s focus on various developmental and welfare initiatives across Assam. The expansion is aimed at enhancing coordination and improving infrastructure in different regions of the state.
