Gogoi defers cabinet expansion by a day

Guwahati, May 18 (UNI) The much awaited expansion of the four-day-old Tarun Gogoi ministry in Asom, scheduled for today, was deferred till tomorrow due to 'unavoidable reasons'.

Official sources here said, ''Though the swearing-in of the ministry was slated for today, it was deferred by a day due to unavoidable reasons.'' Mr Gogoi was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the state for the second term on May 14.

Mr Gogoi, who flew to Delhi the next day to finalise the ministry in consultation with the party high command, is expected to return today, the sources said.

The oath taking ceremony of the new ministers would be held at the ITA Cultural Centre here at 1200 hrs tomorrow, the sources added.

Asom Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Ajoy Singh will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers.

The Congress retained power in the state emerging as the single largest party with 53 seats in the 126-member house, while its all, the Bodo Peoples Progressive Front(BPPF) secured 12 seats. It will be a Congress-led coalition at the state.

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