Guwahati, Dec 9: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday advised Congress MLAs interested in joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to wait until early next year. With the state’s Assembly elections scheduled for 2026, Sarma stated that joining the BJP at this stage could trigger unnecessary by-elections.

Speaking to the media, Sarma urged the MLAs to hold off on switching parties until at least February 2024, as the elections are less than a year and a half away. However, he assured that those legislators wishing to join the BJP would be welcomed at the appropriate time.

Additionally, the Assam Cabinet, under Sarma’s leadership, approved the creation of a Barak Valley Development Department to focus on the development of southern Assam. The new department will aim to improve governance and create employment opportunities in the districts of Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sribhumi.

The Cabinet also approved a Rs 2 per litre production-linked incentive for three grain-based ethanol manufacturing units, a move aimed at boosting farmers’ income and supporting cleaner fuel alternatives. Furthermore, the Cabinet approved a compensation policy for the legal heirs or next of kin of prisoners who die under unnatural circumstances.

On Saturday, four new ministers—Prasanta Phookan, Kaushik Rai, Krishnendu Paul, and Rupesh Goala—were inducted into the Assam Cabinet. This expansion marks the first since Sarma became Chief Minister three years ago.