Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister-designate Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the names of ministers to be inducted into the new state cabinet would be finalised after discussions with BJP national president Nitin Nabin, who is expected to arrive in Guwahati later in the evening.
Speaking to reporters, Sarma said the final list of ministers would be announced on Tuesday morning, a few hours before the swearing-in ceremony of the new government.
“I will discuss the new ministry with our party national president Nitin Nabin to finalise it when he arrives in Guwahati at around 10 PM today. I don’t want to talk about it on the phone,” Sarma said.
He said those selected for induction into the ministry would be informed early on Tuesday and the final list would be prepared in accordance with the party’s directions.
Sarma also said the discussion with Nabin would likely take place during the drive from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport to the hotel where the BJP leader is scheduled to stay.
The swearing-in ceremony of the new government is scheduled to be held at Khanapara on Tuesday. Sarma is set to take oath as Chief Minister for a second consecutive term and lead the third successive NDA government in Assam.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of NDA-ruled states, industrialists, foreign envoys, Satradhikars and party workers are expected to attend the event. Most of the dignitaries, including the Prime Minister, are likely to arrive in Guwahati on Monday evening.
Sarma further said the new government would begin its regular administrative work from Wednesday in line with promises made in the BJP’s election manifesto.
The BJP-led NDA retained power in Assam with a two-thirds majority in the 126-member Assembly. The BJP won 82 seats, while its allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) secured 10 seats each.