Guwahati, May 8 (IANS) Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu on Friday thanked the people of his Dhemaji Assembly constituency for electing him and said the BJP’s emphatic victory in the state Assembly elections reflected the growing trust and confidence of the people in the alliance and its leadership.

Speaking to reporters, Pegu said he was deeply grateful to the people for placing their faith in him and assured that he would continue working for the development of the constituency and the welfare of its residents over the next five years.

“I express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of my constituency for electing me. I consider this not just as gratitude, but also as a responsibility and duty. In the coming years, I will work for the development of the constituency and provide various services to the people,” he said.

Referring to the National Democratic Alliance’s performance, Pegu said the alliance’s prospects had strengthened significantly in Assam and added that there was a strong possibility of the new Council of Ministers taking oath on May 12.

He said the BJP-led alliance would first hold a meeting of the legislature party after the arrival of the party’s central observers on May 10, during which the leader of the legislature party would be elected.

“The elected leader of the legislature party will become the Chief Minister. It is the Chief Minister’s prerogative to constitute the Council of Ministers. However, there is already a broad expectation among the people that former Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is currently serving as caretaker Chief Minister, will once again assume the top post,” Ranoj Pegu said.

On the question of ministerial berths, the senior BJP leader said the issue should not be viewed as the most important aspect of governance.

“In a 126-member Assembly, everyone cannot become a minister. This is a complex process where representation of different communities and groups is also taken into consideration. Becoming a minister is not the biggest issue. We have always worked as Team Assam, and every MLA has an important role to play,” he added.

Pegu also said preparations were underway for a grand swearing-in ceremony at Khanapara, and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with top Union ministers and senior BJP leaders from across the country, was scheduled to attend the event.

–IANS

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