The 74-year-old Handique represents the Jorhat constituency in Assam. He started his political career in 1972 as an MLA.He was elected to Lok Sabha in 1991. He has served as minister of state in defence and parliamentary affairs and ministry of chemicals & fertilizers. He was minister of state parliamentary affairs in the last UPA government.

Issues

The mineral industry constitutes an important part of Indian economy. The growth of this sector is vital as India is rich in mineral resources. There is a need for rapid development of the mining sector, as the manufacturing sector depend on the mining sector.

What he plans to do
 
He said that the ministry should draw the strategy to meet the targets for first 100 days of the government in the office.

The minister also underlined the need for strengthening of implementational mechanism to enable the North-Eastern states to catch up with the pace of development of other regions.