Guwahati, 11 May (HS): Elaborate preparations are underway for the swearing-in ceremony of Assam’s newly appointed Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, scheduled to be held on May 12 at the Veterinary College Ground in Khanapara.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president Nitin Nabin, chief ministers from 22 states, several Union ministers, senior BJP and NDA leaders, along with prominent industrialists are expected to attend the grand event. Booth presidents of the BJP and NDA as well as elected panchayat presidents from across Assam have also been invited to the ceremony.

Heavy deployment of security personnel has been witnessed across the Khanapara area in view of the arrival of the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister. Traffic diversions have been implemented on several routes for the smooth conduct of the programme. Extensive cleaning and beautification work, including repainting of footpaths and roadside maintenance, has been carried out over the last three days from Kamakhya to Khanapara and from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport to the event venue.

It may be noted that BJP observers for Assam, Union Minister JP Nadda and Nayab Singh Saini, on Sunday announced the name of Himanta Biswa Sarma as the new Chief Minister after the BJP Legislature Party meeting. Sarma was unanimously elected as the leader of the NDA Legislative party.

Following the meeting, Sarma met Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and staked claim to form the new government. Later on Sunday evening, the Governor officially appointed him as the new Chief Minister of Assam.

Dr Sarma will take oath of office and secrecy at 12 noon on Monday in a grand ceremony at the Khanapara Veterinary College Ground, where large pandals are being constructed and extensive security arrangements have been put in place.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash