Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expanded his cabinet on Saturday by inducting four new ministers into his council. The oath-taking ceremony was conducted at the Raj Bhavan, where Assam Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office to the new members. The event was attended by the chief minister, current cabinet members, and several dignitaries.
Newly Inducted Ministers and Their Backgrounds
The four new ministers sworn into the cabinet are Prasanta Phookan, Kaushik Rai, Krishnendu Paul, and Rupesh Goala. All four are legislators from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- Prasanta Phookan: A senior political figure, Phookan has been elected as an MLA from Dibrugarh four times, bringing significant legislative experience to the table.
- Kaushik Rai: Representing the Lakhipur constituency, Rai is a first-time legislator who is expected to provide fresh perspectives in governance.
- Krishnendu Paul: A two-time MLA from Patharkandi, Paul has been an active leader in the Barak Valley and is recognized for his grassroots connect.
- Rupesh Goala: Representing Doom Dooma, Goala is another first-time MLA and is known for his commitment to the development of his constituency.
Strengthening Regional Representation
The new appointments have been strategically made to ensure better representation of key regions in Assam.
- Upper Assam: Prasanta Phookan and Rupesh Goala bring focus to the tea-producing districts of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia, areas critical to Assam’s economy.
- Barak Valley: Kaushik Rai and Krishnendu Paul represent constituencies in Sribhumi (formerly Karimganj) and Cachar, two districts in the Barak Valley that are vital for the state’s socio-political landscape.
Expanded Council of Ministers
With these additions, Chief Minister Sarma’s council of ministers now includes 19 members. This expansion is seen as a move to strengthen governance and accelerate development projects in different parts of the state. The new ministers are expected to focus on regional development, enhance infrastructure, and improve public welfare initiatives.
A Broader Vision for Assam
The cabinet expansion reflects the government’s vision to bring diverse perspectives into the decision-making process. It also emphasizes balancing regional aspirations with the state’s overall growth strategy. Observers believe that the new ministers will bring renewed energy to the administration and work towards addressing the priorities of their respective regions.
This development marks another milestone in Chief Minister Sarma’s tenure, as his government continues to make efforts to meet the expectations of the people of Assam.
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