Guwahati, May 12 (IANS) Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ajanta Neog said on Tuesday that the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Chief Ministers and senior leaders from across the country at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Assam government reflected the blessings and support received by the BJP-led administration under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Speaking to reporters after taking oath as a Minister in the third BJP-led government in Assam, Neog described the day as historic and emotional for the party and the people of the state.
“After nearly eight decades of Independence, it is a matter of pride for Assam that the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi), senior party leaders and Chief Ministers from various states came here to bless the new government under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma. We are all very happy that the programme concluded successfully,” he said.
Neog, who served as the Finance Minister in the previous Himanta Biswa Sarma government, was the only woman legislator among the Ministers sworn in on Tuesday at the Khanapara playground in Guwahati.
Apart from Chief Minister Sarma, only four other Ministers took oath during the ceremony attended by top BJP and NDA leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states.
Highlighting women’s participation and empowerment, Neog said the Assam government under CM Sarma’s leadership has consistently worked towards strengthening women-centric initiatives and ensuring greater opportunities for women in governance and development.
“We hope that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the government will continue working with commitment and dedication for the welfare of all sections of society,” she added.
The oath-taking ceremony drew lakhs of supporters and BJP workers from across Assam, turning the venue into a massive political gathering.
Tight security arrangements were put in place across Guwahati in view of the presence of Prime Minister Modi and several VVIPs.
The BJP-led NDA secured a massive mandate in the recently concluded Assam Assembly elections, paving the way for Himanta Biswa Sarma to return as Chief Minister for a second consecutive term.
–IANS
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