Silchar | The induction of Lakhipur MLA Kaushik Rai and Patharkandi MLA Krishnendu Paul into the Assam Cabinet has raised hopes of accelerated development in Barak Valley, with the region now securing two berths in Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s 12-member Council of Ministers.

Strengthening Barak Valley’s representation in the state government and generating expectations of greater focus on the region’s long-pending developmental concerns.

Their inclusion is being viewed not only as a political recognition of Barak Valley’s growing electoral significance but also as a signal that southern Assam will continue to occupy a prominent place in the state’s development agenda.

Residents and stakeholders across the Valley are hopeful that issues such as road and highway connectivity, flood management, rural infrastructure, welfare delivery, institutional expansion and administrative decentralisation will receive renewed policy attention with two ministers representing the region in the Cabinet.

Kaushik Rai, who previously handled the Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Mines and Minerals, and Barak Valley Development departments, said he had no preference regarding portfolio allocation and would faithfully discharge any responsibility entrusted to him.

“Whatever responsibility is assigned to me, I will carry it out sincerely and efficiently. My priority is to ensure transparent and dedicated governance,” Rai said.

He also highlighted the BJP’s strong electoral performance in Barak Valley, where the party currently holds nine of the ten Assembly constituencies. Political observers believe his re-induction reflects the BJP’s intent to consolidate its support base in the region while rewarding its electoral success.

During his earlier tenure, Rai oversaw the establishment and operationalisation of the Assam Secretariat, Barak Valley, besides facilitating several infrastructure, education and governance-related initiatives in Lakhipur constituency.

Krishnendu Paul, who earlier served as minister for Public Works Department (PMGSY), Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, echoed similar sentiments, stating that portfolio allocation rests solely with the Chief Minister.

“Whatever responsibility the Chief Minister gives me, I will perform it with sincerity. Serving the people has always been my priority, and I will continue to do so round the clock,” Paul said.

Reflecting on his previous ministerial tenure, Paul pointed to the development of nearly 10,000 kilometres of rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), initiatives aimed at increasing fish production, reducing dependence on imports from other states, and strengthening dairy infrastructure through projects such as the Purabi dairy initiative in Barak Valley.

He said the focus had been on improving connectivity to remote villages and enhancing self-reliance in key economic sectors. Paul also expressed gratitude to the people of Patharkandi for electing him to the Assembly on three occasions, saying their continued support remained a source of motivation.

His return to the Cabinet is being closely watched in Sribhumi district, particularly following his recent advocacy on the poor condition of National Highways in the border region. During his previous tenure, the area witnessed several major projects, including the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Agriculture College at Patharkandi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Political analysts say the inclusion of Rai and Paul serves multiple objectives for the ruling BJP – strengthening Barak Valley’s representation in the state’s decision-making process, rewarding loyal and experienced legislators, and reinforcing the party’s organisational and governance priorities in southern Assam.

For many across Barak Valley, the development has renewed optimism that long-pending demands related to infrastructure, highways, flood control, welfare schemes and institutional growth may now receive greater attention at the highest levels of government.