Guwahati, May 13: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, sworn in for his second consecutive term on Tuesday, said the state feels more secure with the BJP forming government in West Bengal under Suvendu Adhikari. He emphasized that the two governments will work together to address common challenges and foster regional development.

Speaking to reporters in Guwahati, Sarma noted that Assam and West Bengal share issues that can now be jointly tackled, a cooperation absent for decades. He described the presence of the West Bengal Chief Minister at the oath-taking ceremony as a sign of solidarity and a promising future for the Northeast.

The swearing-in ceremony at Khanapara Veterinary College Field was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chief ministers of NDA-ruled states, industrialists, sportspersons, and foreign envoys. Sarma said the Prime Minister’s presence underscored the importance of Assam’s victory and reflected his commitment to the region.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to the BJP’s manifesto, Sarma declared that the NDA 3.0 administration in Assam will attempt to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), a pledge already fulfilled in Uttarakhand and Gujarat. He stressed that the identity and security of Assam would remain paramount, while development efforts would align with national growth.

Reflecting on his first term, Sarma described it as a learning phase marked by the challenges of COVID-19 and unfinished projects. He expressed confidence that his second tenure would bring accelerated development, aided by cooperation with the newly elected BJP government in West Bengal.

The Chief Minister is scheduled to chair the first cabinet meeting of the new government today, with the Assembly session set to commence on May 21.