Guwahati

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday submitted his resignation along with members of his council of ministers, formally initiating the process for the formation of a new government after the BJP-led NDA’s emphatic victory in the state assembly elections.

The resignation was handed over to Lakshman Prasad Acharya at Lok Bhawan shortly after the official election results were notified.

In a statement shared by the Chief Minister’s Office, it was confirmed that the governor had accepted the resignation and requested Sarma to continue in a caretaker capacity until the next government is sworn in.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance secured a commanding mandate in the 126-member assembly, winning 102 seats in total. Polling in Assam was conducted in a single phase on April 9, while counting of votes took place on May 4.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the governor, Sarma indicated that the oath-taking ceremony for the new government is likely to be held after May 11.

He said the party has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the swearing-in ceremony, but the Prime Minister’s Office has informed them that his schedule remains packed until May 11, making a post-May 11 event more likely.

On the selection of the next chief minister, Sarma said the BJP has appointed central observers to oversee the legislative party meeting where MLAs will elect their leader.

The party on Tuesday named J. P. Nadda as the chief observer for the process, while Nayab Singh Saini has been designated as co-observer.

Accompanied by minister Ranoj Pegu and MLA Manab Deka, Sarma said the meeting of BJP legislators is expected to take place before May 11, with the final date to be decided by the party observers.

Once the legislative party elects its leader and NDA allies endorse the choice, the alliance will formally stake claim to form the next government.

Responding to questions about possible changes in the cabinet, Sarma said decisions regarding ministerial appointments, including the induction of new faces, would be taken by the new legislative party leader after assuming charge.

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In the assembly elections, the BJP won 82 seats, while its alliance partners — the Bodoland People's Front and the Asom Gana Parishad — secured 10 seats each, taking the NDA tally to 102.