NEW DELHI, July 3 ? The process of downsizing the Tarun Gogoi ministry could not be completed today following differences over induction of ministers. The final meeting is likely to be held tomorrow to select the new team. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today held a series of meetings but could not finalise the entire list as differences cropped up over induction of ministers like Bhubaneswar Kalita, Sarat Barkotoky, Anjan Dutta, Pradyut Bordoloi, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Etua Munda, Rameshwar Dhanowar among others.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had two rounds of meetings with AICC president Sonia Gandhi today followed by another meeting with AICC in-charge for Assam, Digvijay Singh. However, Gogoi told newsmen that though the process was over, the list could not be completed as he is awaiting a final word from the party High Command.
Significantly, Sri Singh told newsmen that the process of selection was completed and the list was ready. The final round of meeting held in Assam Bhawan was joined by APCC president Paban Singh Ghatowar. Earlier, the meeting on downsizing of ministry took place where the proposals prepared by the screening committee in consultation with Chief Minister, APCC president, Party MPs was taken up for final clearance.
Meanwhile, Sri Gogoi said that 17 ministers who have been dropped would be accommodated in the Party and elsewhere in the government. All those who have been dropped would be accommodated suitably, he added. Sources said that one of the criteria for selection was Party?s performance in the concerned minister?s assembly segment in the Lok Sabha polls had to be abandoned when it was discovered that the Party scored poorly in at least 22 minister?s Assembly segment including that of Chief Minister?s own constituency where there was a shortfall of 20,000 votes as compared to last Assembly polls, sources said.