Guwahati, May 27 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday indicated that the much-anticipated expansion of the state Cabinet is likely to take place only after June 3.

Speaking briefly to reporters, Sarma said the process would happen gradually and hinted that the Governor’s prior engagements would delay the exercise for a few days.

“I had said earlier that it would happen first, but before June 3 it may not be possible because the Governor will be in Mongolia for an official visit,” the Chief Minister said.

He further added that the Cabinet expansion process would move ahead after the Governor’s return.

“Whatever happens will happen only after June 3. Gradually, everything will take place,” Sarma remarked.

Though the Chief Minister did not elaborate on the likely changes or possible inductions into the Cabinet, political circles in Assam have been speculating for several weeks about a reshuffle and expansion in the BJP-led government.

The proposed expansion is expected to fill vacant berths in the Council of Ministers and may also involve redistribution of portfolios among existing ministers.

Currently, the Cabinet consists of only four ministers apart from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

As per an earlier notification issued by the Governor, senior BJP leader Rameswar Teli has been allocated the departments of Transformation and Development, Labour Welfare, and Tea Tribes and Adivasi Welfare.

The inclusion of Tea Tribes and Adivasi Welfare in Teli’s portfolio is being viewed as significant given the government’s continued focus on welfare initiatives for tea garden communities across Assam.

Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) President Atul Bora has been assigned the departments of Panchayat and Rural Development, Implementation of Assam Accord, Border Protection and Development, and Excise.

Political observers see Bora’s allocation as crucial, especially in view of the ongoing focus on safeguarding Assam’s border areas and implementing clauses of the historic Assam Accord.

Meanwhile, Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) leader Charan Boro has been entrusted with the Transport department along with Welfare of Bodoland.

The allocation is expected to strengthen developmental coordination in the Bodoland Territorial Region and improve transport infrastructure in the state.

Senior BJP leader Ajanta Neog has been given charge of the Women and Child Development and Tourism departments.

Officials said the portfolios would play a key role in the government’s plans to expand tourism potential and strengthen social welfare programmes for women and children.

Along with Sarma, four ministers were sworn into the new Council of Ministers earlier this month.

–IANS

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