Assam CM Urges Congress MLAs Seeking BJP Membership to Hold Off
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Guwahati, Dec 8 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Sunday that Congress MLAs eager to join the BJP should hold off for a few months, considering the Assembly elections are set to take place in Assam in 2026.
“The Congress MLAs wanting to join the BJP should refrain from making any hasty decisions as it would unnecessarily trigger another by-election in the state. With the Assembly polls coming up in about one and a half years, I recommend that these legislators wait at least until February next year,” the Chief Minister informed reporters.
He also mentioned, “We will assess how the circumstances evolve, but those MLAs wishing to join our party will be welcomed.”
In other news, the Cabinet has approved the formation of the Barak Valley Development Department, aimed at creating new opportunities for growth in southern Assam.
An official announcement indicated that this new department aims to deliver government services directly to citizens and promote balanced development in the Barak Valley region.
“This department will assist the residents of Cachar, Sribhumi, and Hailakandi by facilitating swift development and generating job opportunities for local support staff,” the statement added.
The Cabinet has also sanctioned a Production Linked Incentive of Rs 2 per litre of ethanol for a duration of three years to three grain-based ethanol production facilities, intended to enhance farmers' earnings and encourage a shift to cleaner energy options.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved a Compensation Policy for the legal heirs or Next of Kin (NOK) of prisoners who experience unnatural deaths.
The Chief Minister shared on X: “In today’s session of the #AssamCabinet following its expansion, we resolved to establish a Barak Valley Development Department; grant financial aid to NOKs of deceased prisoners; and provide incentives for ethanol production to three units.”
Furthermore, four ministers—Prasanta Phookan, Kaushik Rai, Krishnendu Paul, and Rupesh Goala—were inducted into the Cabinet on Saturday.
This marks the first expansion of the Cabinet since Himanta Biswa Sarma assumed the role of Chief Minister three years ago.
