Guwahati, May 10 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister-designate Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday thanked the people of the state for reposing faith in the BJP-led NDA and asserted that the government would continue to work for peace, development and prosperity in Assam.

Addressing party workers and leaders at the BJP headquarters in Guwahati after being unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP Legislature Party and NDA leader in the state, Sarma said the massive mandate reflected the people’s trust in the development agenda pursued under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“After discussing various issues, we have once again received the blessings of the people. The government has worked with commitment and dedication for the welfare and development of Assam. The people have blessed us for taking the state forward on the path of progress,” Sarma said.

He further said that the BJP-led government had transformed Assam through sustained development initiatives and good governance over the past several years.

“The people of Assam have given us their blessings because this government has taken the state towards rapid development and stability. We assure the people that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we will continue to work tirelessly for the progress of Assam,” he added.

Sarma is set to take oath as the Chief Minister of Assam for the second consecutive term on May 12, while the BJP will form the government in the state for the third straight time.

Earlier in the day, Union Minister and former BJP national president J. P. Nadda announced Sarma’s name as the leader of the BJP Legislature Party after a meeting of newly elected MLAs and NDA allies in Guwahati. The BJP’s allies — the Asom Gana Parishad and the Bodoland People’s Front also extended their support to Sarma as the NDA leader. Senior BJP leaders, including Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, were present during the legislature party meeting.

Following the BJP legislature party meet, Sarma called on Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya and staked a claim to form the next government in Assam.

–IANS

tdr/skp