Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday expanded his council of ministers, with 12 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) taking oath as cabinet ministers. The expansion comes shortly after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a third consecutive term in the state, reinforcing its political dominance in Assam.

The swearing-in ceremony was held in the presence of senior government leaders and party functionaries. Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly inducted ministers.

The cabinet expansion is being viewed as a significant political and administrative step aimed at strengthening governance, ensuring broader regional representation, and preparing the government for its new term.

New Faces in Ministry

Among the prominent new entrants are BJP legislators Ashwini Ray Sarkar, Nilima Devi and Sushanta Borgohain. Former Assam Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary has also joined the council of ministers.

The expansion includes several experienced legislators who have held key organisational and administrative responsibilities in the past. Political observers believe the inclusion of both seasoned leaders and relatively new faces reflects the party's attempt to balance experience with fresh leadership.

Chief Minister Sarma announced the list of ministers a day before the oath-taking ceremony through a social media post, confirming the names of all 12 legislators selected for ministerial responsibilities.

NDA Ally Gets Representation

The expansion also accommodated leaders from alliance partner Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). Senior AGP leader Keshab Mahanta, who served as a minister in the previous NDA government, has been included in the new cabinet.

The move signals the BJP's continued effort to maintain coalition unity while ensuring adequate representation for its alliance partners within the government structure.

Other legislators inducted into the ministry include Ashok Singhal, Bimal Borah, Jayant Mallabaruah, Kaushik Rai, Krishnendu Paul, Pijush Hazarika and Ranoj Pegu.

Strong Electoral Mandate

The cabinet expansion follows the NDA's emphatic performance in the Assam Assembly elections. The alliance secured 102 seats in the 126-member Assembly, comfortably retaining power and extending its political influence in the northeastern state.

The result marked the third consecutive electoral victory for the BJP-led alliance in Assam, underlining the party's strong organisational presence and voter support.

Following the election victory, Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in for a second consecutive term as Chief Minister on May 12 at a ceremony held in Guwahati.

Several senior leaders, including Rameswar Teli, Atul Bora, Charan Boro and Ajanta Neog, had earlier taken oath as members of the new Council of Ministers.

Governance Priorities Ahead

Political analysts believe the expanded cabinet will help distribute administrative responsibilities more effectively across departments and regions. The new team is expected to focus on infrastructure development, employment generation, welfare initiatives and implementation of key government schemes.

The induction of additional ministers may also enhance coordination between departments as the government begins implementing its agenda for the new term.

With a strong legislative majority and an expanded council of ministers, the Himanta Biswa Sarma government enters its new tenure with significant political stability and administrative capacity.