Assam Cabinet Expansion: 12 MLAs to Take Oath as Ministers on June 5

The Assam government is set to undergo a significant Cabinet expansion, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announcing that 12 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) will be sworn in as Cabinet Ministers on June 5.

The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for 12:45 PM and marks the next major step in the formation of the state's new government following the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) emphatic victory in the recent Assembly elections.

Who Are the MLAs Being Inducted into the Assam Cabinet?

The Chief Minister announced that Ashwini Ray Sarkar, Ashok Singhal, Bimal Borah, Biswajit Daimary, Jayant Mallabaruah, Kaushik Rai, Keshab Mahanta, Krishnendu Paul, Nilima Devi, Pijush Hazarika, Ranoj Pegu, and Susanta Borgohain will be sworn in as Cabinet Ministers.

In a post on X, Sarma said: "I am pleased to announce that the following Members of the Assam Legislative Assembly will be sworn in as Cabinet Ministers in the Government of Assam on 5 June at 12:45 PM: Ashwini Ray Sarkar, Ashok Singhal, Bimal Borah, Biswajit Daimary, Jayant Mallabaruah, Kaushik Rai, Keshab Mahanta, Krishnendu Paul, Nilima Devi, Pijush Hazarika, Ranoj Pegu, and Susanta Borgohain."

The induction of the 12 legislators will strengthen the new Council of Ministers as the government begins its second term under Sarma's leadership.

Why Is This Cabinet Expansion Significant?

The swearing-in comes less than a month after Sarma assumed office for a second consecutive term as Chief Minister.

On May 12, he took oath at a grand ceremony held at Khanapara Veterinary College Field in Guwahati. The event was widely projected as the beginning of the "NDA 3.0 era" in Assam following the alliance's decisive electoral mandate.

The BJP-led NDA secured a commanding victory in the Assembly elections, winning 102 of the state's 126 seats. The result reinforced the alliance's political dominance in Assam and provided a strong mandate for its governance agenda over the next five years.

How Was the New Government Initially Formed?

When Sarma took oath for his second term, several senior leaders were also inducted into the Council of Ministers.

Among those sworn in were Rameswar Teli, Atul Bora, Charan Boro and Ajanta Neog.

The latest expansion is expected to broaden ministerial representation across regions and administrative sectors while enabling the government to distribute key portfolios among a larger team.

What Are the Government's Priorities in Its Second Term?

The Cabinet expansion comes as the Assam government seeks to accelerate its development agenda.

Earlier this week, Sarma met with Droupadi Murmu and briefed her on Assam's economic progress and future development plans. The meeting was particularly significant as it marked his first interaction with the President after returning to office for a second consecutive term.

The state government has indicated that its focus will remain on strengthening economic growth, attracting investments, expanding infrastructure, and improving public services.

What Happens Next?

With the induction of 12 new Cabinet Ministers, the Assam government will move closer to completing the formation of its second-term administration. Attention will now turn to the allocation of portfolios and the role each minister will play in implementing the government's policy agenda.

The June 5 swearing-in ceremony is expected to formally launch the next phase of governance under Sarma's leadership as the NDA government seeks to build on its electoral mandate and pursue its development roadmap for Assam.

(With inputs from ANI)