Guwahati: The NDA council of ministers in Assam has now taken full shape with the portfolio distribution on Monday to 12 members inducted last week, in what was chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s first cabinet expansion.In this 17-member cabinet, Sarma has kept the commanding levers of power firmly under his control, keeping home and political departments, both wings of PWD, power, information and public relations, and printing and stationery, along with “any other department not allotted”.Of the members, 14 are from BJP, including the chief minister, two from AGP and one from BPF.“I extend my best wishes to all my colleagues in the council of ministers. I am confident that working together with dedication and commitment, we will continue to serve the people of Assam and further accelerate the journey of progress and prosperity of our state,” the CM posted on X.From a strategic perspective, the council also represents a power map of clusters — Sarma’s centralised command at the core, economic and welfare portfolios spread among trusted lieutenants, social equity and regional portfolios distributed to broaden representation, and coalition allies accommodated with region-specific responsibilities.BJP’s Jayanta Mallabaruah has been entrusted with finance, environment, and mines, and Bimal Borah with industries and the Act East Policy, together forming the economic cluster.Ashok Singhal and Ranoj Pegu anchor the welfare cluster with health and education, respectively, while Pijush Hazarika takes charge of agriculture and irrigation.The expansion also brought in ministers tasked with social equity and regional development. Ashwini Ray Sarkar has been given social justice & empowerment, soil conservation, and minority welfare.Former speaker Biswajit Daimary commands a wide range from handloom, textiles, sports, skill development to indigenous faith and culture.Kaushik Rai will oversee food & consumer affairs, housing & urban affairs, and cooperation, placing him at the intersection of urban governance and consumer rights.Krishnendu Paul will handle public health engineering, hill areas, and Barak Valley development while first-time MLA Nilima Devi has been entrusted with animal husbandry & veterinary and fishery. Susanta Borgohain will manage water resources and judicial affairs.Among the coalition partners, Keshab Mahanta of AGP has been entrusted with revenue and disaster management portfolios.
