Guwahati, May 13: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday responded to allegations made by Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi regarding the latter not being invited to the chief minister’s oath-taking ceremony, saying those who genuinely wished to attend would have found a way to be present.
Sarma made the remarks while interacting with reporters during his visit to the memorial of Gopinath Bordoloi at Silphukhuri, a day after taking oath for a second consecutive term as Assam chief minister.
Reacting to Gogoi’s allegation, Sarma said, “Everyone attended the ceremony. Those who truly wanted to come from their heart made their way. Even if someone watched it on television, that is also fine.”
The chief minister further stated that more than one crore people had voted for the ruling alliance in Assam, but it was not possible for everyone to attend the programme physically.
“More than one crore people blessed us through their votes. Not everyone can attend such a programme physically. Many watched it on television, and that blessing is equally important,” Sarma added.
The remarks came after Sibsagar MLA and Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi claimed that he had neither been invited nor informed about the oath-taking ceremony held at the Veterinary Field in Guwahati.
Expressing surprise over the matter, Gogoi told reporters that despite being a two-time elected MLA, he did not receive an invitation to the important state function.
He also pointed out that chief ministers from several states, along with thousands of BJP leaders and supporters, attended the swearing-in ceremony and questioned why a sitting opposition legislator was excluded from the event.
Meanwhile, the newly sworn-in Assam government led by Himanta Biswa Sarma is scheduled to hold its first cabinet meeting at 2 pm on Wednesday at the State Guest House in Koinadhara. The meeting comes shortly after the BJP-led alliance returned to power in Assam for a third consecutive term.
