Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: The swearing-in of 12 new ministers to the Assam Cabinet on June 5 became a focal point for political analysis, blending administrative changes with distinct symbolic displays. The ceremony highlighted the cultural fabric of the state as ministers delivered their oaths in Assamese, Hindi, Sanskrit, and Bengali.
This linguistic variety underscored the multicultural identity of the region. Bimal Bora opted for Sanskrit, while Kaushik Rai utilized Hindi. Krishnendu Paul took his oath in Bengali, a choice that reflected the regional identity of the Barak Valley. Most other appointees chose Assamese to emphasize their commitment to local roots.
Public displays of respect also caught the attention of observers. Newly inducted ministers Pijush Hazarika and Sushanta Borgohain touched the feet of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma immediately after taking their oaths. This gesture was widely interpreted as a display of respect toward the BJP leader. Observers noted that Jayanta Malla Baruah, a key member of the influential group known as the "Dada Brigade," notably refrained from making the same gesture despite his close ties to the Chief Minister.
The event took place against a backdrop of regional unrest. Protests broke out in Upper Assam following the exclusion of Bolin Chetia from the council. Organisations representing the Moran, Matak, and Chutia communities organized a 48-hour bandh across parts of the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts to express their discontent with the cabinet appointments.
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