Guwahati, May 13: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reaffirmed his government’s commitment to safeguarding the state’s security and advancing development, pledging to deliver on the promises outlined in the BJP’s election manifesto.

In his first official engagement after being sworn in for a second consecutive term, Sarma, accompanied by four cabinet colleagues, paid floral tributes at the memorial of Assam’s first Chief Minister, Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi. “Before formally beginning work, we visited the memorial of Gopinath Bordoloi to seek his blessings so that we can continue to work for Assam’s security and development,” Sarma told reporters.

He recalled Bordoloi’s tireless efforts to protect Assam and its people before and after Independence, noting that the tribute was offered with the hope of realizing the vision of taking Assam to greater heights. The new government is set to begin functioning with its first cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

Sarma announced that the first session of the 16th Assam Assembly is likely to be held from May 21 for three days, during which newly elected MLAs will take their oaths. He added that the expansion of his ministry would be undertaken after the conclusion of the assembly session.

“This is not a new government, but a continuation of the earlier one. We will continue to work wholeheartedly, keeping the security and development of Assam, the Assamese people, and the nation as our primary goal,” he said, stressing that the focus would remain on fulfilling the BJP’s manifesto commitments.

Referring to Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony, Sarma highlighted the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, chief ministers from NDA and non-NDA states, industrialists, and spiritual leaders as a reflection of Assam’s growing importance on the national stage. “Assam is emerging as a centre of development and industrialisation. I am deeply grateful to all who attended and became part of the historic occasion,” he added.