Cloud over cabinet expansion

BY OUR

STAFF REPORTER

Guwahati, Jan 12: Amidst speculations over Cabinet expansion of Sarbanda Sonowal government, State BJP president today said that he is in favour of deferring cabinet expansion exercise till March. Speaking to reporters here today, party president Das said that he would make a request to Chief Minster Sonowal in this regard.

“If the cabinet expansion takes place before budget session, activities of different departments would be affected. As the minister concerned has made plans for the budget session, change of department of ministers will affect the activities,” Das said.

Speculations riffed that Sonowal ministry will be expanded early in January Das.  

Assam has 126 MLAs. A maximum of 18 MLAs, excluding the CM, could be inducted into the ministry. In May, Sonowal was sworn in along with 10 MLAs — six from BJP and two each from AGP and BPF. The BJP has 60 MLAs in the House, four short of the magic figure of 64. The AGP and BPF have 14 and 12 MLAs respectively. The Congress has 26 MLAs.