Guwahati, May 12 (IANS) Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday said that massive crowds from across Assam gathered in Guwahati to witness the “historic” swearing-in ceremony of Himanta Biswa Sarma for the second consecutive term and the new NDA government in the state.

Speaking to reporters during the ceremony, Sonowal said people from different parts of the state arrived “spontaneously and enthusiastically” to be part of the occasion.

“We have witnessed mammoth gatherings because people have come from across the state very spontaneously and enthusiastically to witness this historic event,” the Union Minister said.

Sonowal described Sarma as a “ big leader” for the people of Assam and the country, adding that the BJP-led government has transformed the state under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam has witnessed rapid development, and under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma, the state is celebrating this historic moment,” he added.

The BJP-led NDA secured a massive victory in the recently concluded Assam Assembly elections, paving the way for Sarma to take oath as the Chief Minister for a second consecutive term.

Himanta Biswa Sarma took oath as the Chief Minister of the state for a second consecutive term, as the BJP-led NDA formed the government in Assam for the third straight time.

Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to Sarma at a grand swearing-in ceremony held at Khanapara in Guwahati in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and several top BJP and NDA leaders.

Along with Sarma, four Ministers were also sworn in. Former Union Minister Rameswar Teli, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) President Atul Bora, United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) leader Charan Boro and senior BJP leader Ajanta Neog took oath as Ministers.

The ceremony was also attended by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, several top BJP leaders and Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states.

Many prominent religious leaders, including 15 Satradhikars from Assam’s Vaishnavite monasteries, also attended the event. Several leading industrialists and distinguished personalities from different sectors were present at the ceremony.

–IANS

tdr/dpb