Ashok Lahiri, a distinguished economist and current BJP MLA in West Bengal, has been appointed as the Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, India's premier policy think tank. Lahiri, who previously served as the chief economic advisor to the Government of India and was a member of the 15th Finance Commission, is not participating in the ongoing assembly elections in West Bengal. Alongside him, Gobardhan Das, a noted scientist and director of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Bhopal, has been appointed as a member of the NITI Aayog. The formal announcements regarding their appointments are expected shortly. This development occurs amidst a competitive electoral environment in West Bengal, where the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP are engaged in a fierce contest.