Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a long-awaited cabinet expansion, scheduled for December 7, aiming to address growing demands for regional representation and ease the workload on current ministers. The state cabinet, which currently comprises 15 members including the Chief Minister, has the capacity for 18 members. The upcoming expansion will fill the three vacant positions, streamlining governance and preparing for the 2026 assembly elections.
A significant point of focus is the lack of representation from the Barak Valley region. The resignation of former minister Parimal Suklabaidya, who was elected to the Lok Sabha earlier this year, left the region without a voice in the state cabinet. This has sparked widespread calls for inclusivity and fair representation. Political analysts speculate that at least one of the new appointees will hail from the Barak Valley, a move expected to restore balance in the cabinet. The reshuffle is also seen as a strategic effort to strengthen administrative efficiency and address regional aspirations ahead of the elections.
“The expansion reflects our commitment to inclusive governance and balanced regional representation,” a senior government official stated. The announcement has generated considerable political interest as Assam prepares for a more streamlined and representative cabinet in the critical pre-election period.
