Guwahati: North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convener Himanta Biswa Sarma was Monday sworn-in as the 15th Chief Minister of Assam by Governor Jagadish Mukhi at the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra here. Himanta Biswa Sarma was clad in traditional ‘pat silk’ dhoti and kurta with a muga ‘gamosa’ draped around his neck. He took the oath of office and secrecy in Assamese. Along with him, 14 legislators were also sworn-in as ministers amid strict COVID-19 protocols.
Of the 126 assembly seats in Assam, the ruling alliance has secured 75 seats with the BJP winning 60, the AGP (9) and the UPPL (6).
Sarma’s elevation to the Chief Minister’s chair was expected as BJP had made the announcement a few days back. However, it is not yet known about the responsibilities that former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will be entrusted with. It was expected that he would continue for a second term… but the BJP then sprung a surprise by naming Sarma as its next Assam chief minister.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sarma on taking oath Monday as Assam chief minister. He expressed confidence that Sarma and his team of ministers will add momentum to the development journey of the state and fulfil people’s aspirations.
In his tweets, Modi also had a word of praise for Sarma’s predecessor Sarbananda Sonowal, saying his ‘valued colleague’ was at the helm of a pro-people and pro-development administration over the last five years. His contribution towards Assam’s progress and strengthening the party in the state is immense, the prime minister said.
“Congratulations to @himantabiswa Ji and the other Ministers who took oath today. I am confident this team will add momentum to the development journey of Assam and fulfil aspirations of the people,” Modi said.
Other BJP leaders also joined Modi in congratulating Sarma and his ministerial colleagues with Home Minister Amit Shah saying that under the prime minister’s guidance and Sarma’s leadership, Assam will set a new benchmark of peace, progress and prosperity.