BJP Plans Cabinet Expansions in Assam and West Bengal This Week
Cabinet Expansions on the Horizon
File image of CM Sarma with PM Modi in New Delhi, on May 30. (AT Photo)
Guwahati, June 1: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is preparing for cabinet expansions in Assam and West Bengal later this week. This decision follows a crucial meeting of the party's Central Election Committee (CEC), which was notable for its location and agenda.
In a break from tradition, the CEC meeting took place at the Prime Minister's official residence instead of the usual party headquarters in New Delhi on Sunday.
This change in venue drew attention, as the CEC typically meets to discuss candidates for Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, rather than state legislative council appointments, which were also on the agenda this time.
According to party insiders, the meeting was led by BJP president Nitin Nabin and included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh, and various CEC members.
The leadership also assessed political developments in states where organizational and governmental changes are anticipated.
Central to this week's political maneuvers is Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is currently in the national capital.
In recent days, Sarma has met with Prime Minister Modi and several senior Union Ministers.
On Sunday, he announced via social media that the long-awaited cabinet expansion for the newly formed NDA 3.0 government in Assam is scheduled for June 5.
However, the official allocation of cabinet positions is experiencing a procedural delay. Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya is presently in Mongolia, leading a ten-day mission to carry the holy relics of Lord Buddha's two main disciples for a special religious exposition.
His return is constitutionally necessary to administer the oath of office, which is a prerequisite for the ceremony to proceed.
The cabinet expansion in Assam will mark the formal completion of the NDA 3.0 government in the state. Chief Minister Sarma and four alliance partners took their oaths on May 12.
There are still up to 14 ministerial positions available within the constitutional limit of 19 ministers, which are set to be filled as the government aims to achieve full strength with its coalition partners, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland People's Front (BPF).