What was announced
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma officially announced the allocation of portfolios on Monday, June 8, 2026, through a post on X (formerly Twitter). The announcement followed the swearing-in of 12 new ministers on June 5, 2026, which expanded the cabinet to a total strength of 17 members, including the Chief Minister. Four other ministers had previously taken the oath of office alongside Chief Minister Sarma on May 12, 2026, and their portfolios were announced earlier. Chief Minister Sarma retained several crucial departments, including Home and Political, Public Works Department (Buildings & National Highways), Public Works Department (Roads), Power, and Information & Public Relations. He will also oversee any department not specifically allotted to other ministers.Why it matters
The allocation of portfolios is a critical step in the formation of the new government, enabling ministers to assume their responsibilities and begin implementing policy initiatives. The expanded cabinet, now comprising 17 ministers, is just two short of the constitutionally permitted maximum of 19 ministers in the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly. This distribution is expected to enhance administrative efficiency and ensure focused attention on key sectors such as finance, education, health, and infrastructure. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the Council of Ministers would work with dedication and commitment to serve the people of Assam and accelerate the state’s journey of progress and prosperity.Background
The recent cabinet expansion and portfolio allocation follow the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) emphatic victory in the April 2026 Assembly elections, where the coalition secured a commanding 102 out of 126 seats. The BJP alone won 82 seats, with allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) securing 10 seats each. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in for his second consecutive term on May 12, 2026, at the Veterinary College ground in Khanapara, Guwahati. Initially, four ministers—Rameswar Teli and Ajanta Neog from BJP, Atul Bora from AGP, and Charan Boro from BPF—were sworn in alongside him. Their portfolios were announced on May 14, 2026, with Ajanta Neog receiving Women and Child Development and Tourism, Rameswar Teli allocated Transformation and Development, Labour Welfare, and Tea Tribes and Adivasi Welfare, Atul Bora assigned Panchayat and Rural Development, Implementation of Assam Accord, Border Protection and Development, and Excise, and Charan Boro entrusted with Transport and Welfare of Bodoland. The Chief Minister had announced the cabinet expansion on May 31, 2026, stating that 12 new ministers would be inducted on June 5, 2026. This expansion aimed to bring in new faces while retaining experienced members, ensuring a balanced representation across various communities and regions of Assam.Key details
Among the significant portfolio allocations, Jayanta Malla Baruah, a close associate of the Chief Minister, was entrusted with the crucial Finance Department, along with Environment & Forest, and Mines & Minerals. Dr. Ranoj Pegu retained the School Education and Higher Education portfolios and was also assigned Tribal Affairs (Plain) and Information Technology. Ashok Singhal continued to oversee Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education & Research. Other notable allocations include:- Bimal Borah: Cultural Affairs, Industries, Commerce & Public Enterprises, and Act East Policy Affairs.
- Biswajit Daimary: Handloom, Textiles & Sericulture, Sports & Youth Welfare, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship, and Indigenous & Tribal Faith & Culture.
- Keshab Mahanta: Revenue & Disaster Management, Science, Technology & Climate Change, and General Administration.
- Pijush Hazarika: Agriculture, Irrigation, and Parliamentary Affairs.
- Ashwini Ray Sarkar: Social Justice & Empowerment, Soil Conservation, and Welfare of Minorities & Development.
- Kaushik Rai: Food, Public Distribution & Consumer Affairs, Housing & Urban Affairs, and Cooperation.
- Krishnendu Paul: Public Health Engineering, Hill Areas, and Barak Valley Development.
- Nilima Devi: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary and Fishery.
- Susanta Borgohain: Water Resources and Judicial.
Reactions
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma extended his best wishes to all his colleagues in the Council of Ministers.He also described the expanded team as balanced, representing the aspirations of all sections of people, and noted that their experience and wisdom would further strengthen the resolve to build a developed Assam.“I am confident that, working together with dedication and commitment, we will continue to serve the people of Assam and further accelerate the journey of progress and prosperity of our State,” Chief Minister Sarma said.