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.

Samrat Choudhary Takes Oath as Bihar’s 24th Chief Minister

BJP-Led Government Begins

Samrat Choudhary was sworn in as Bihar’s 24th Chief Minister on Tuesday, ending Nitish Kumar’s two-decade-long tenure. The oath ceremony took place at 11 AM at the German Hangar of Lok Bhawan. JDU leaders Vijay Choudhary and Vijendra Prasad Yadav also took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers. This marks the first completely BJP-led government in the state.

Nitish Kumar Steps Down

The political transition followed Nitish Kumar’s resignation on Monday after he became a Rajya Sabha member. Mr Kumar had held the Chief Minister’s post for 20 years. Shortly after resigning, he posted on X, stating the new government would handle future work while assuring his full support for continued development.

Leadership Elected Unanimously

The NDA legislative party elected Samrat Choudhary as its leader on Tuesday. In a significant show of continuity, Nitish Kumar proposed Mr Choudhary’s name for the top post. Mr Kumar garlanded him and asked legislators to cheer for the new leader. Sources indicated the transition was smooth and consensus-driven.

Samrat Touches Nitish’s Feet

In a moment that captured political attention, Samrat Choudhary touched Nitish Kumar’s feet at the NDA meeting to seek blessings. “I have learned politics from Nitish ji. I have worked with him. His vision of a prosperous Bihar needs to be taken further ahead,” Mr Choudhary said after being elected.

‘Learned Governance From Nitish Ji’

Speaking to reporters after the oath, the new Chief Minister acknowledged his predecessor’s influence. “Nitish Kumar ji has taught me a lot. I have learned to run the government by staying with him,” Samrat Choudhary said. He added that the BJP gave him an opportunity to work after understanding PM Modi’s vision, and he has been continuously active since the 2015 elections.

Chirag Paswan Extends Support

Union Minister Chirag Paswan visited Samrat Choudhary at his residence to congratulate him. Mr Paswan said the new CM has maintained balance among all alliance partners and possesses strong capabilities. “The responsibility on all of us has increased, and we will fulfil it together,” Mr Paswan stated, confirming his party’s full support to the new administration.

Development Agenda Ahead

As per official statements, the new government plans to carry forward the development work initiated by Nitish Kumar. Samrat Choudhary affirmed that the coalition would work collectively to make Bihar prosperous. Several Chief Ministers and Deputy CMs from other states attended the ceremony. The swearing-in was administered by the Governor, with top NDA leaders present. Political analysts suggest the new leadership will focus on continuity in governance while consolidating the BJP’s organisational strength in the state.