Sarma emerges as the most powerful

The first Cabinet meeting held by Assam Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal gave clear indications of the government’s priorities and also centres of power in his team. Chairing first Cabinet meeting of the one-day-old BJP-led coalition government in Assam in Guwahati, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal distributed the portfolios for the ministers. 

While Sonowal kept home, political, revenue, power, border area development, Assam Accord Implementation departments with himself, he feted the most “powerful leader” of the party Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma with finance, planning and development, health, education, tourism and Guwahati development departments among others.

In the run-up to the government formation, it was being speculated how Sarma’s ambitions would be addressed. 

An import from the Congress, where he was the most powerful minister in Tarun Gogoi government, Sarma had left the party to join the BJP about 10 months back. There is a general buzz that Sarma has “funded” all 126 candidates belonging to different parties either to win or lose a seat.”

Four decisions were taken at the first Cabinet meeting, which was held at the Brahmaputra state guest house atop Kharghuli hills in the city. All eight Cabinet ministers and two ministers of state (independent charge) attended it.

The Cabinet meet reportedly decided to abolish all check gates in the state, which had allegedly turned into money collecting points for nefarious elements. In keeping with the BJP’s pre-poll promise, the Cabinet reportedly decided to do away with the system of oral interview for grade four jobs.

While it was decided that most ministers will not use red beacons on their vehicles, the number of vehicles in the Chief Minister’s convoy would be cut down, reports said.