7 new Mins join Assam Cabinet

Days ahead of the second year anniversary of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) Government in Assam, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday effected the first ever Cabinet expansion, inducting seven Ministers—five from the BJP and one each from alliance partners, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland Peoples’ Front (BPF).

Assam Governor Professor Jagdish Mukhi gave the oath of office secrecy to the seven Ministers which includes, Siddhartha Bhattacharyya (BJP), Bhabesh Kalita (BJP), Sum Ronghang (BJP) Tapan Gogoi (BJP), Piyush Hazarika (BJP), Phani Bhushan Choudhury (AGP) and Chandan Brahma (BPF).

While AGP’s Phani Bhushan Choudhury was a former Minister in the AGP Government in the State, Chandan Brahma was also a Minister in the former Congress Government in the State.

The rest five were however, new faces sans any Ministerial experience. While Siddhartha Bhattacharyya, Sum Ranghang, Phani Bhushan Choudhury and Chandan Brahma were inducted as cabinet Ministers, the other three were inducted as Minister of State.

It may be mentioned here that Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was sworn in on May 24, 2016 and inducted 11 ministers into his cabinet—eight Cabinet Ministers and two Ministers in the rank of ministers of State with independent charge. With the induction of seven Ministers on Thursday, the strength of the Minister in Assam has rose up to 18.

“I am happy that the Chief Minister has chosen me for taking up responsibility. I hope to fulfill all my responsibility with cooperation from my other colleagues. Whatever department is given to me, I shall try to bring transparency and work towards development of the whole of the state,” said Tapan Gogoi after swearing in.

Meanwhile, the swearing in of the new Ministers have led to unhappiness among the party and many have alleged that the Chief Minister had not taken everyone into confidence while selecting the new Ministers.

Immediately after the swearing in, senior BJP leader Prashanta Phukan tendered his resignation from the position of Chairman of the BJP’s steering Committee on Panchayat polls and the position of Chairman of the Governing body of the Assam Medical College.

Although Phukan cited personal reasons for resignation, he said, “If I am not fit to be a Minister how can I be fit for the position of chairman of the BJP’s steering committee on panchayat polls and chairman of the AMC’s governing body,” said Phukan.

Similarly, BJP legislator from Sonai constituency in Barak Valley, Aminul Haque Laskar expressed his displeasure and said that there is no representation from religious minority community in the cabinet. “This is perhaps the first cabinet since Independence where there is no representation from the religious minority community,” Laskar said.