Guwahati

Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said implementation of the ruling alliance’s election manifesto would be the primary focus of the new government after it assumes office on May 12.

Speaking to reporters in Guwahati, Sarma said the first Cabinet meeting would be held immediately after the swearing-in ceremony, with execution of manifesto commitments at the top of the agenda.

He also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was expected to arrive in Guwahati later in the night to attend the oath-taking ceremony.

According to Sarma, the event will also be attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP president Nitin Nabin, chief ministers of NDA-ruled states and party workers, including booth-level functionaries.

Earlier in the day, Lakshman Prasad Acharya formally appointed Sarma as Chief Minister under Article 164(1) of the Constitution of India, through an official order issued by Chief Secretary Ravi Kota.

Sarma is scheduled to be sworn in at 11:40 am on May 12 at the Veterinary College Field in Khanapara.

Earlier on Sunday, Sarma met Governor Acharya and formally staked claim to form the government after being unanimously elected leader of both the BJP Legislature Party and the National Democratic Alliance Legislature Party in Assam.

The BJP-led NDA secured a third consecutive term in the 126-member Assam Assembly, winning 102 seats.

The Bharatiya Janata Party won 82 seats, while its allies — Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front — won 10 seats each.

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The opposition alliance led by the Indian National Congress secured 19 seats, while Raijor Dal and All India United Democratic Front won two seats each, and the All India Trinamool Congress won one seat.