Guwahati, 12 May (HS): Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said Assam is set to witness major infrastructure expansion, with projects worth nearly ₹2 lakh crore currently in the pipeline under his ministry.

Arriving in Guwahati ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Gadkari expressed confidence that the BJP-led government would continue accelerating development in the State following its third consecutive electoral victory.

Interacting with reporters, Gadkari said the people of Assam have once again demonstrated their faith in the Bharatiya Janata Party by giving the NDA another mandate. He asserted that the government would work to fulfil the aspirations of the people and maintain the pace of progress in the State.

Highlighting upcoming infrastructure plans, the Union Minister stated that his department alone is preparing projects valued at around ₹2 lakh crore. He added that the Centre remains committed to strengthening Assam’s economy and improving connectivity across the region.

Meanwhile, Himanta Biswa Sarma is scheduled to take oath for a second consecutive term as Chief Minister as the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance begins its third straight tenure in Assam.

Earlier, Sarma was unanimously elected leader of the BJP and NDA Legislature Parties in the presence of senior leaders from alliance partners, including the Asom Gana Parishad and the Bodoland People's Front.

Ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, Sarma announced that Rameswar Teli, Atul Bora, Chandra Mohan Patowary and Ajanta Neog would also take oath as ministers. He further declared Ranjit Das as the NDA’s nominee for the post of Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly.

In the recently concluded Assam Assembly elections, the NDA secured a commanding majority by winning 102 seats in the 126-member Assembly. The BJP won 82 seats, while its allies AGP and BPF secured 10 seats each.

The opposition alliance led by the Indian National Congress managed to win 19 seats. The Raijor Dal and the All India United Democratic Front won two seats each, while the All India Trinamool Congress secured one seat. The Assam Jatiya Parishad failed to win any seat in the election.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash