National Desk, 10th June: In a significant political move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the key portfolios for his third term following the swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 9, 2024. Among the newly appointed ministers, Pabitra Margherita from Assam stood out as a surprising yet strategic choice.
Margherita, who took the oath last, has been assigned the roles of Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Textiles. Although a familiar figure in Assam, Margherita is relatively new to the national political stage, having been elected as a Rajya Sabha MP from Assam in 2022.
Early Career
Before venturing into politics, Margherita was a prominent cultural figure in Assam. His political career began in 2014 when he joined the BJP during the Modi wave. Renowned for his eloquence and public speaking skills, Margherita has been a BJP spokesperson in Assam, leveraging his cultural background to further his political ambitions.
Political Journey
Margherita has been involved in various party and governmental committees throughout his political career, quickly adapting to his new roles. His strong connections with senior leaders like Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma have been instrumental in his political development.
Significance of Margherita’s Appointment
Margherita’s appointment as a Minister of State is seen as both a reactive and strategic move. The BJP was caught off guard by Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi’s win in the Jorhat Lok Sabha constituency, a critical victory for the Congress in a fiercely contested region.
The BJP, spearheaded by Chief Minister Sarma, had vigorously campaigned against Gaurav Gogoi, the son of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, hoping to prevent his success. They had relied on support from the Ahom community, as both Gaurav Gogoi and BJP candidate Topon Gogoi are members.
Gaurav Gogoi’s victory underscored the importance of individual appeal over community allegiance, offering the Congress a renewed sense of hope in Assam.
Margherita’s appointment to the Cabinet is a strategic response to this new political landscape. His dual responsibilities in the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Textiles highlight the significant role he is expected to play in both domestic and international arenas.