Assam is Handique’s priority

New Delhi, May 23: For the only minister from Assam inducted into the Union cabinet, Bijoy Krishna Handique’s priority is Assam, with indications that he would prefer to retain the chemicals and fertilisers portfolio he handled as a minister of state.

In his first interaction after being included in the cabinet, the mild-mannered Jorhat MP told The Telegraph that even as a cabinet minister with a bulkier portfolio and responsibility, Assam would be the brightest blip on his radar.

As a minister, Handique was instrumental in dusting the cobwebs off the Assam gas cracker project that had gathered dust for 21 years. “I would like to see that the project is implemented. Of course it is completely the Prime Minister’s prerogative,” he added.

With Assam MP Manmohan Singh beginning his second term as Prime Minister, Handique, by virtue of being the only other MP from the Northeast in the cabinet, is likely to ensure enough consideration for the region.

Handique said the chemicals and fertilisers department with three secretaries was a huge ministry and a lot needed to be done there.

The priorities outlined by the minister make political sense, as both issues were promises made in the Assam Accord signed in 1985. While the migrants issue was what had fuelled the Assam agitation, the Gas Cracker project was proposed as part of the pact signed on August 15, 1985.

“What is good for the nation has to be good for Assam, so even if I am a cabinet minister with the whole nation to look at, my state would be a priority,” he said. The Congress is also looking to arrest its waning influence in Assam.

As a minister, Handique would like to try and solve the border problem in Assam as well as continue to do the good work in the field of industry in the state.

“Assam needs to look at the border issue on a priority basis and I would like to help,” he said, happy after the first cabinet meeting today.

The illegal migrants’ problem in Assam and the unfenced boundary in the state have been subjected to much public debate and political battles. If Handique is able to do what he wants to, it might reduce the BJP’s efforts to keep turning the border issue into a plank to nought.

Assam has been dogged by boundary disputes with neighbouring states of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Nagaland. “I will do what is good for everyone,” Handique clarified.