Himanta Biswa Sarma calls on Assam Governor Lakshman Acharya
Guwahati: Following the BJP-led NDA’s hat-trick of wins in the Assam assembly elections, Himanta Biswa Sarma, as per constitutional protocol, submitted his resignation to governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Wednesday, paving the way for the alliance’s third stint in the state.Accepting the resignation, Acharya asked Sarma to continue as the caretaker CM until a new govt has been formed, with the latter requesting the governor to dissolve the present legislative assembly, the 15th of the House.BJP’s central observers JP Nadda and Nayab Singh Saini is scheduled to arrive in Guwahati at the weekend to oversee the party’s legislature meet, where decision on the new CM will be taken.While, in all likelihood, Sarma is expected to continue as CM, PM Narendra Modi is expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony, which is scheduled on May 12.Speaking to reporters after submitting his resignation, Sarma said, “It a historic win and we have invited PM Narendra Modi to grace the occasion.”Asked about the selection of new CM, Sarma said, “BJP has appointed two central observers. In their presence, the legislature party will nominate the leader to become the next CM. After that, NDA constituents will sit and finalise the name.”He further said, “The meeting will take place on or before May 11. We will get the information from Nadda’s office today (Wednesday) or tomorrow (Thursday).”While the BJP-led NDA secured 102 seats in the 126-member assembly, BJP won 82 of those. Alliance partners Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) bagged 10 each.Meanwhile, AGP elected party president Atul Bora as its legislature party leader, with Keshab Mahanta designated as his deputy and Dr Tapan Das as the secretary. AGP has unanimously backed Sarma’s nomination for the post of CM.
