State
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Announces Cabinet Reshuffle Before September
Guwahati – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has unveiled plans for a significant cabinet reshuffle by August 15, aiming to strengthen the state government’s preparations for the 2026 Assembly elections. This announcement comes as part of a broader strategy to inject fresh momentum into the administration.
Speaking to the media, Sarma revealed that at least three new members would be inducted into the cabinet. This decision follows the recent victory of Assam Excise, Transport, and Fisheries Minister Parimal Suklabaidya in the Lok Sabha elections from Silchar, which leaves an additional vacancy to be filled.
“We plan to restructure our ministry to bring new dynamism and better prepare for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections,” Sarma stated. He mentioned that while discussions with the BJP central leadership are yet to take place, the process will begin after addressing the current flood situation in the state.
The Chief Minister clarified that the reshuffle would not entail replacing all current ministers but rather reassigning their departmental responsibilities. This move is intended to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the government’s functioning.
During the briefing, Sarma also touched upon recent electoral outcomes, specifically noting the Congress candidate’s significant victory in the Dhubri Lok Sabha seat by over one lakh votes. He highlighted this as an indicator of a shift in the AIUDF vote bank towards the Congress, particularly among the state’s substantial Muslim electorate.
Sarma remarked, “Despite our development efforts across all regions, including Muslim-dominated areas, it appears that voting patterns are influenced by religious considerations rather than development initiatives.” He also acknowledged that a segment of Assamese Muslims had supported the BJP.
Additionally, the cabinet has approved several measures, including a memorandum of understanding with Prasar Bharati for a documentary series on Lachit Barphukan and the issuance of new ration cards to 1.5 million more individuals in the state.
The upcoming cabinet reshuffle is seen as a pivotal step in the BJP-led government’s strategy to consolidate its position and address administrative challenges ahead of the next major electoral battle in Assam.
