Guwahati, May 13: Assam minister Pradyut Bordoloi on Wednesday said the overwhelming mandate received by the BJP-led alliance in the state has made the government “more responsible” towards the people, as Himanta Biswa Sarma began his second consecutive term as chief minister.
Speaking to reporters during Chief Minister Sarma’s visit to pay tribute at the memorial of Assam’s first chief minister Gopinath Bordoloi at Silpukhuri, the minister said the scale of public support received by the ruling alliance was both humbling and a reminder of the responsibilities ahead.
“For Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, it will be a continuation of his policies and programmes. But the kind of mandate the people of Assam have given is overwhelming. We are all humbled by it,” Bordoloi said.
Describing the mandate as unprecedented, he stated that the massive electoral support had further strengthened the government’s commitment to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Assam.
“This kind of mandate is, in a way, also frightening because it has made us more responsible towards the people of Assam. I am very sure that the chief minister has laid out his roadmap clearly, and he will continue to pursue his policies and programmes. We will all extend our full support,” he added.
Bordoloi also highlighted the significance of Himanta Biswa Sarma beginning his second term by paying homage to Gopinath Bordoloi, describing it as a symbolic gesture deeply connected to Assam’s history and identity.
Recalling the role played by Gopinath Bordoloi during the pre-Independence period, the minister said the late leader had played a crucial role in safeguarding Assam’s identity by firmly opposing proposals that could have altered the political and cultural future of the state.
He said it was fitting for the chief minister to begin his new tenure by paying tribute to a leader who played a defining role in preserving Assam’s identity and interests.
Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in for a second consecutive term on Tuesday after the BJP-led alliance retained power in Assam. He is also scheduled to chair the first cabinet meeting of the new government later in the day.
