Tripura BJP MLA Kishor Barman takes oath as cabinet minister, Vows to follow PM Modi, CM Saha's footsteps

Putting an end to days of speculation, BJP MLA from Nalchar constituency, Kishor Barman, was sworn in as a Cabinet Minister in Tripura on Thursday. 

The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan.

The development comes a day after Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha met the Governor, reportedly to finalise the cabinet expansion.

Speaking after the ceremony, Barman described the moment as the beginning of a new chapter in his political journey. “I don’t think it will be a challenge, as I have the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha. I will work for Viksit Bharat and Viksit Tripura,” he said.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Barman said, “First of all, I want to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda, and Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha along with other senior leaders for entrusting me with such a huge responsibility. I will strive to fulfill my duties by following the footsteps of the Prime Minister and our Chief Minister.”

On portfolio allocation, Barman said no discussions had taken place yet. “As a BJP worker, I never think about postings or departments. Whatever responsibility the party has given me, I have fulfilled—and I will continue to do so,” he added.

Commenting on the expansion, CM Dr. Manik Saha said, “With Kishor Barman’s induction, our Cabinet is now full with all 12 berths occupied. We still have one position for a Minister of State. I welcome him and I’m confident he will work with full dedication to take Tripura forward. Together, we aim for ‘Ek Tripura, Shrestha Tripura’.”

He also noted that the allocation of departments will be decided in due course.

Notably, several ministers were absent from the ceremony, including Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath, who is recovering from cataract surgery, Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma, MoS Brishaketu Debbarma, and Cooperation Minister Sukla Charan Noatia, who is currently in Delhi.

However, Chief Secretary JK Sinha, DGP Anurag, and other senior officials were present during the event.