Overview
- During a four-day visit to New Delhi that began May 30, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a string of Union ministers to brief the Centre on NDA 3.0 priorities and seek support for Assam’s agenda.
- Sarma announced on May 31 that the Council of Ministers will be expanded on June 5, with media reports variously saying roughly eight to twelve MLAs are likely to be inducted.
- The planned oaths are dependent on Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya returning from an official trip to Mongolia, a procedural requirement cited by the chief minister and multiple reports.
- Across meetings with ministers including Ashwini Vaishnaw, Rajnath Singh, J.P. Nadda and Mansukh Mandaviya, Sarma sought central backing for specific projects such as more than 1,300 km of rail expansion, redevelopment of 50+ Amrit Bharat stations, a proposed Defence Corridor, new medical colleges and upgraded sports infrastructure.
- The cabinet expansion will complete political consolidation after the recent NDA electoral win and could speed approvals and funding for northeast projects while shaping regional and community representation in the new ministry.