Daijiworld Media Network – Guwahati

Guwahati, May 12: BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday took oath as the Chief Minister of Assam for a second consecutive term as the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) retained power in the state for a third straight tenure.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Veterinary College Field in Khanapara, Guwahati, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior Union ministers and chief ministers from several NDA-ruled states.

Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to Sarma along with four cabinet ministers at around 11.40 am.

The ministers sworn in alongside Sarma included BJP leaders Ajanta Neog and Rameswar Teli, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader Atul Bora and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) leader Charan Boro.

The NDA secured a decisive mandate in the Assam Assembly elections by winning 102 seats in the 126-member House. The BJP emerged as the dominant party with 82 seats, while alliance partners AGP and BPF won 10 seats each.

The latest victory marked the NDA’s third consecutive term in Assam since the alliance first formed the government in 2016 under the leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal.

With Tuesday’s oath-taking, Himanta Biswa Sarma also became the first non-Congress leader in Assam to serve as chief minister for two successive terms.

Ahead of the ceremony, Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal thanked the people of Assam for once again placing their trust in the NDA government.

“With the support of the people of Assam, NDA is forming the government for the third consecutive term under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma. We are grateful to the people for their continued faith,” Sonowal said.

He further expressed confidence that Assam would emerge as one of the country’s most developed states during the NDA government’s new tenure.