Agartala, 3 July (HS): BJP MLA from Nalchar, Kishor Barman, was sworn in as a Cabinet Minister in Tripura on Thursday, further solidifying the saffron party’s presence in the 12-member state Cabinet led by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha.

At 44, Barman becomes the latest entrant into the Cabinet, taking oath at Raj Bhavan in a ceremony administered by Governor N. Indrasena Reddy. His induction raises the strength of the Manik Saha-led Cabinet to 12 — comprising nine BJP members, two from Tipra Motha Party (TMP), and one from the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT).

While BJP ministers, including CM Saha, attended the swearing-in, notable was the absence of alliance partners TMP and IPFT, as well as opposition legislators from the CPI(M) and Congress.

Welcoming Barman into the Cabinet, CM Dr. Manik Saha reiterated his vision for Ek Tripura, Shrestha Tripura and expressed confidence that the new minister would play a pivotal role in that mission. On portfolio allocation, he clarified that decisions would be taken at an appropriate time.

Responding to questions on the BJP’s pending internal elections, the Chief Minister said the party would handle it in a disciplined and timely manner.

Expressing gratitude after the ceremony, Barman thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP’s national leadership, and CM Saha for their trust. “I had no discussions about my portfolio. As a disciplined karyakarta, I’ll continue to serve the party in whatever capacity I’m assigned,” he said.

A former BJP State general secretary, Barman returned from organisational duties in West Bengal and won the 2023 Assembly polls from Nalchar with a decisive margin.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash