Ardhendu makes comeback as minority council chief

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, Nov 2: A year after he was sacked as a minister for siding with rebel leader Himanta Biswa Sarma, Hojai MLA Ardhendu Dey was today sworn in as the chairman of the newly constituted Minority Development Council.

Dey will enjoy the status of a cabinet minister.

With just four months left for the Election Commission of India to issue notification for the State assembly polls, the move by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is seen as part of his strategy to appease disgruntled legislators in the party.

Ironically, immediately after being sworn in, Dey admitted he had grievances, but added that those have been addressed. “Yes, I had grievances. But now I have been given a responsibility. The grievances have been addressed,” Dey said.

Gogoi said the newly formed council will not only cater to the needs of the Muslims, but also of other minority communities like Sikhs, Jains etc.

However, questions have been raised as to from where the new council will receive funds. The annual budget has been passed. After a brief winter session in December, the government is likely to place the vote on accounts in February.  Will this council too be an eye-wash like several others, formed only to rehabilitate disgruntled Congressmen?