Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi here on Wednesday administered oath of office to 21 parliamentary secretaries. In what has been seen as an attempt to ensure representation to all the caste, creed and community, Mr Gogoi retained four parliamentary secretaries of his last tenure, Bidya Singh Engleng, Jibontara Ghatowar, Sarat Saikia and Bibekananda Doloi. Besides 19 three-time and two-time MLAs, two first-timers — Rekibuddin Ahmed and Rakeswor Brahma — also found place in the list of 21 who were sworn in at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra on Wednesday.
Mr Brahma and Mr Maneswor Brahma are the two MLAs from coalition partner Bodoland People’s Front.
Others making the cut are Rajendra Prasad Singh, Raju Sahu, Pradan Baruah, Jonjonali Baruah, Sukur Ali Ahmed, Chandan Sarkar, Monilal Gowala, Mansingh Rongpi, Abu Taher Bepari, Ilias Ali, Bibekananda Dalai, Rana Goswami, Bhupen Kumar Bora, Sumitra Doley Patir, Bolin Chetia.
Five senior Congressmen, including Sarat Barkataki, Rameshwaer Dhanowar, D.P. Gowala and G.C. Langthasa are likely to be offered chairmanship of government-undertakings with Cabinet rank anytime now, party sources said.
The party insiders said that Mr Gogoi, through these appointments has ensured that any hint of dissent against his leadership is nipped in the bud.
The offering of chairmanship with Cabinet-rank status to veteran legislators in the next few days is also seen as another move to ensure intra-party peace.