THE MUCH AWAITED EXPANSION OF THE ASSAM CABINET IS LIKELY TO TAKE PLACE SOON

Sarbananda Sonowal,Chief Minister of Assam is expected to expand his 2-year old cabinet by inducting eight new faces.

According to reliable sources, the names of the ministers to be included in the new cabinet is expected to be revealed either on 17th or 18th of April. Piyush Hazarika of Jagiroad Constituency, Tapan Kumar Gogoi of Sonari Constituency and and Siddhartha Bhattacharya of East Guwahati Constituency are some of the probable names to claim berths in the expanded cabinet.

Sarbanada Sonowal wanted to induct eight ministers into his cabinet, six from Bharatiya Janata Party and one each from Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland Peoples’Front, but the two parties are seeking two berths each.  It has been a year now since the Government made the announcement to placate party legislators seeking ministers but no tangible steps have been taken so far in this regard

However, according to recent developments, the oath  taking ceremony of the newly inducted ministers is likely to take place  either on 19th or 20th of April. The ceremony will be presided over by BJP Vice President, Venkaiah Naidu.

It will be interesting to see if the much acclaimed expansion turns to reality. The Allies of the party AGP and BPF’s take on the new cabinet seeking two berths each will be a matter to consider.