Assam: Himanta Sarma's swearing-in draws huge political gathering in NE
Guwahati, May 12
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday took oath for a second consecutive term in a grand ceremony in Guwahati, which witnessed the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and senior National Democratic Alliance leaders from across the country.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Khanapara Veterinary College Field in Guwahati, was described by the state government as the largest political gathering ever witnessed in Northeast India.
Along with Sarma, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders Rameswar Teli and Ajanta Neog, as well as leaders of two alliance partners of the Bharatiya Janata Party -- Asom Gana Parishad's Atul Bora and Bodoland People's Front legislator Charan Boro -- also took oath as ministers in the new Council of Ministers.
The ceremony was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and Bharatiya Janata Party state president Nitin Nabin, besides several senior leaders of the National Democratic Alliance.
According to an official statement, the event saw participation from 20 Chief Ministers, 18 Deputy Chief Ministers, 11 Union Cabinet Ministers, and two Union Ministers of State, making it one of the biggest gatherings of political leadership in the region.
Chief Ministers from states including Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and West Bengal attended the event.
The state government said the large-scale participation reflected Assam's growing political and strategic importance on the national stage.
Several distinguished personalities from sports, cultural, and religious fields were also present during the ceremony.
Arjuna Awardees, Padma Bhushan recipients, and noted personalities from various sectors attended the event, along with thousands of people from across Assam.
The ceremony marked the formal beginning of the National Democratic Alliance government's third consecutive term in Assam.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While the gathering was impressive, I hope the focus remains on development and not just political show. Assam has issues like floods, infrastructure, and unemployment that need real solutions. Let's see if this second term brings tangible changes.
Himanta is a dynamic leader who has transformed Assam's perception. From being a border state with problems to a strategic hub for the Act East Policy. PM Modi's presence shows the importance of Assam in the national agenda. Great to see so many leaders from across India attend.
It's good to see Assam getting attention, but I wish the ceremony wasn't such a massive expense. The common man's issues—rising prices, poor healthcare, and education—don't get solved by grand events. Let's hope the government delivers on its promises.
Absolutely historic for the Northeast! 20 Chief Ministers attending is unheard of. Sarma has built a strong coalition with AGP and BPF, which ensures stability. Assam is now a gateway to Southeast Asia, and this gathering reinforces that. Proud moment for all Assamese!
I hope the focus is on peace and harmony. The presence of leaders from so many states is a symbol of unity, but the real work needs to be in areas like border disputes, illegal immigration, and protecting the rights of indigenous communities. All the best to the new cabinet.
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