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Ashok Lahiri named Niti Aayog vice-chairman; Gobardhan Das to join board
Ashok Kumar Lahiri, a West Bengal BJP MLA and economist, is reported to be the next vice-chairman of Niti Aayog, replacing Suman Bery. Bengali immunologist Gobardhan Das is also set to join as a new member. The appointments are not yet formal, and come amid a political contest between BJP and TMC in Bengal.
Why It Matters
The leadership of India's government think tank could influence policy directions. The development also reflects BJP's push in West Bengal and its broader political strategy.
Timeline
4 Events
April 24, 2026 – Gobardhan Das set to become new NITI Aayog member
April 24, 2026
Gobardhan Das, a Bengali scientist and immunologist, is set to become a new member of the NITI Aayog’s policy body.
April 24, 2026 – Lahiri selected as next NITI Aayog vice-chairman
April 24, 2026
Outgoing West Bengal BJP MLA and economist Ashok Kumar Lahiri has been chosen to become the next vice-chairman of Niti Aayog, with formal appointments awaited. He would replace Suman Bery as head of the government think tank.
May 2022 – Suman Bery assumed NITI Aayog vice-chairmanship
May 2022
The article states that Suman Bery took over NITI Aayog leadership in May 2022; he is described as a policy economist and research administrator with prior affiliations at various institutions.
June 2007 – Suman Bery demitted the office as NITI Aayog vice-chairman
June 2007
The article notes that Suman Bery demitted the office of NITI Aayog vice-chairman in June 2007, serving around three quarters of his stint under the Congress-led UPA government led by Manmohan Singh.