New Political Secretaries Appointed to Assam Chief Minister
Appointment of Political Secretaries
Guwahati, June 6: Following the recent expansion of the Assam Cabinet, Taranga Gogoi, the MLA from Naharkatia, and Krisna Kamal Tanti, the MLA from Rangapara, have been designated as Political Secretaries to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The Chief Minister made the announcement via social media on Saturday.
In response to his new role, Gogoi emphasized the importance of the position, recalling that previous holders, such as senior BJP leaders Jayanta Malla Baruah and Pabitra Margherita, had transitioned to more significant responsibilities.
Gogoi remarked, "This role carries substantial responsibility. We have observed that Nalbari MLA Jayanta Malla Baruah and MoS Pabitra Margherita previously held this position before advancing to larger roles."
He elaborated on the responsibilities, noting that the Chief Minister's busy schedule often limits his availability for party-related activities and public interactions.
"The Chief Minister is frequently engaged in governance, review meetings, and official tours, which can restrict his time for party events or political gatherings. Consequently, individuals seeking to discuss their concerns may not always have the opportunity to meet him," he explained.
Gogoi stated that he and Tanti have been tasked with addressing this gap, ensuring that both organizational issues and public grievances receive the necessary attention.
"We will need to be present regularly at the party office, as many individuals come there hoping to meet the Chief Minister and voice their concerns," he added.
When questioned about whether these appointments were merely political favors following the Cabinet expansion, Gogoi rejected the idea, asserting that the role entails significant responsibility.
"This is a serious responsibility, not just an adjustment. It is a demanding role as we will manage the Chief Minister's office and related duties. It is also unrealistic for every MLA to be included in the Cabinet," he stated.
Regarding the recent decision by the Assam Cabinet to increase MLA development funds, Gogoi expressed that this would enable legislators to expedite development projects within their constituencies.
"With the increase in MLA funds, many pending projects can be initiated and completed. Some critics claim that opposition MLAs lack sufficient opportunities from the government, but the fund increase applies to all MLAs, allowing them to undertake development initiatives and meet the needs of their constituents," he noted.
Both Tanti and Gogoi bring a wealth of political and organizational experience to their new positions.
Tanti, a second-term BJP MLA from Rangapara, previously represented the constituency during the NDA government's earlier term in Assam. Gogoi, who serves as the MLA for Naharkatia, is also the President of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA).