GUWAHATI: BJP leader Sarbananda Sonowal, who was sworn in as Assam’s 14th Chief Minister on Tuesday, promised that his alliance government would strive to rid Assam of corruption, illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and pollution and that it would work in such a way that the people would not feel hurt.
“It’s a historic moment for the BJP. Given the huge mandate that you gave to BJP, I expect you to monitor our performance. We’ll take your suggestions and perform our duties. Our government will work for your social security and economic independence. This is our goal,” Sonowal told a crowd of more than a lakh people at a public ground at Khanapara, following his swearing-in.
“We are committed to rid Assam of corruption, immigrants and pollution. We have to make Assam one of the best states in the country,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at the event said the tribals in the country would now have reasons to feel proud. Sonowal, a tribal, belongs to the Sonowal Kachari tribe.
Thirty one years ago, the swearing-in ceremony of two-time former CMPrafulla Kumar Mahanta was held at a public ground when his Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) had tasted power for the first time.In the Assembly polls held in April, the three-party alliance of BJP, AGP and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) grabbed 86 of the 126 seats in the House.
Sonowal was sworn in by Nagaland Governor P B Acharya, who holds additional charge of Assam. Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, over a dozen Union Ministers, CMs of 14 NDA-ruled states, former Assam CM Tarun Gogoi, besides a bevy of BJP leaders, including veteran L K Advani, and a religious leaders were among those in attendance.
Ten MLAs were sworn in as ministers — eight as Cabinet Ministers and two as Ministers of State. The Cabinet Ministers included Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Sonowal said people belonging to different faiths lived in the state but they were culturally one. “In the coming days, we will boost the brotherhood and march ahead to make Assam a prosperous state,” he said. He paid homage to those who had lost their lives in the anti-foreigners agitation of 1980s and to those in BJP and RSS who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
New BJP platform
Former Congressman Himanta Biswa Sarma, seen as number two in the new Assam government, was made convenor of the North-East Democratic Alliance, formed by BJP for development of northeastern states.