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Gogoi sworn in as Assam CM

      Guwahati: Senior Congress leader Tarun Gogoi was today sworn in as the Chief Minister of Assam for a second consecutive term at the Raj Bhawan here. Gagoi's oath of office and secrecy was administered by Governor Lieutenant General (Retd) Ajai Singh. The decision about the members of his ministries would be taken after he holds a meeting with the high command in the national capital. The ministry is expected to be sworn-in on May 17. Gogoi had laid stake before the Governor to form the government with the support of 53 Congress party MLAs and 11 Bodoland Peoples' Progressive Front-Hagrama (BPPF-H) legislators, making a figure of 64 in the house of 126. A few independent MLAs have also extended support to the Congress-led coalition. Earlier, the BPPF leader said the party wanted "at least three cabinet berths and a junior minister's berth" in exchange for its support.

    Tarun Gogoi was born to Kamaleswar and Usha Gogoi on April 1, 1936 at Rangajan Tea Estate in Jorhat district. He graduated from J B College in Jorhat but did Law from Guwahati University. During his student life he held important position in Students' Union, including Commandership of Students' Volunteer Corps. Gogoi started his career as a lawyer but was simultaneously involved in socio-political activities. In 1968, he was elected as a member of Jorhat Municipal Board. Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi spotted this promising young talent and in 1971 entrusted him with the responsibility of organising the youth community of the State. In the same year (1971), Gogoi was elected to the fifth Lok Sabha. In 1976, he became the Joint Secretary of All India Congress Committee. And in 1977, he was re-elected to the sixth Lok Sabha. Then again, he was re-elected to the seventh Lok Sabha in 1983. He became the General Secretary of All India Congress Committee in 1985. During 1986-90, he served as the president of Asom Pradesh Congress (I) Committee. Gogoi was elected for the fourth time to the 10th Lok Sabha in 1991. During that time, he was also the Vice President, APCC (I). During 1991-93, he was the Union Minister of Food (Independent Charge). From 1993 to 1995, he held the portfolio of Food Processing Industry as the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge). During 1996-98, he was elected Member of Asom Legislative Assembly from Margherita constituency. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for the fifth time in 1998 to the 12th Lok Sabha. Again in 1999, Gogoi was re-elected to the 13th Lok Sabha for the sixth time. Since 1996, he has been the President of the Asom Pradesh Congress Committee.