Economist Ashok Lahiri, scientist Gobardhan Das from Bengal to join Niti Aayog as vice-chairman, member

According to a notification issued by the Centre on Friday, Lahiri, a former chief economic adviser of India, was appointed vice-chairman of the government think tank alongside a new set of full-time members: Rajiv Gauba, KV Raju, Gobardhan Das, Dr. M Srinivas and Abhay Karandikar.

His appointment — along with Das — come at a time when the BJP is in a battle with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal.

Lahiri, a member of the Fifteenth Finance Commission who has held roles with global financial institutions, is one of the BJP’s more recognisable Bengali leaders. An alumnus of Delhi School of Economics and Presidency University, Lahiri has also worked with Asian Development Bank, World Bank and IMF.