The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up for a significant cabinet expansion in Assam on June 5, marking the full formation of the NDA 3.0 government in the state. This political development follows a highly unusual and high-stakes meeting of the party’s Central Election Committee (CEC) on Sunday. In a major departure from convention, the meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s official residence instead of the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. Chaired by BJP President Nitin Nabin, the session was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. While the CEC traditionally focuses on Lok Sabha and Assembly candidate selections, this rare gathering pivoted to discuss state legislative council appointments and impending governmental adjustments.
At the center of this activity is Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has been holding crucial consultations with top Union ministers in the national capital. Sarma confirmed that the long-awaited expansion will take place this week. Currently, up to 14 cabinet berths remain vacant within the constitutional limit of 19 ministers. The upcoming reshuffle will accommodate key allies, including the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF).
However, the final execution of the oath-taking ceremony faces a brief procedural delay. Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya is currently in Mongolia leading a sacred ten-day religious mission with the holy relics of Lord Buddha’s disciples. His presence is constitutionally mandatory to administer the oath of office. The formal ceremony will proceed immediately upon his return, bringing the state government to its full operational strength.
