Congress-led ministry takes oath in Asom

Guwahati, May 19 (UNI) The first ever coalition ministry led by the Congress in Asom took oath of office at the Indian Tea Association Auditorium here today.

Seventeen cabinet and one minister of state (Independent charge) were administered the oath by Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Ajai Sinha in the presence of a distinguished gathering.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi was sworn-in earlier on May 14.

The 18-member ministry features only two women legislators. The portfolios of the ministers will be announced later.

Three MLAs, who took oath today were from the major coalition partner Bodoland People's Progressive Front(Hagrama). While Mrs Promila Rani Brahma and senior BPPF(H) leader and former Bodo militant Chandan Brahma were allotted cabinet berths, Rihon Daimary was made minister of state.

Except two ministers from the BPPF(H), no first-time MLA from Congress was accommodated in the ministry. All the senior leaders of the BPPF(H), led by the former commander-in-chief of the now disbanded Bodo Liberation Tiger(BLT) Hagrama Basumatary were present in the oath-taking ceremony.

The Asom Ministry now comprises as : Tarun Gogoi(Chief minister), Cabinet ministers: Dr Bhumidhar Barman, Prithbi Majhi, Bharat Chandra Narah, Mrs Promila Rani Brahma, Gautom Roy, Dinesh Prasad Goala, Chandan Brahma, Kharsing Ingti, Nurjamal Sarkar, Dr Nazrul Islam, Gautom Bora, Ripun Bora, Pradyut Bardoloi, Pranab Gogoi, Himanta Bishwa Sharma, Rockybul Hussain, Mrs Ajanta Neog.

The only minister of state with independent charge is Mr Daimari.

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