Guwahati: BJP and NDA legislature parties will meet on Sunday in the presence of two central observers to elect their new leader, widely expected to be Himanta Biswa Sarma, before Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony, which will be attended by PM Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and other NDA CMs.With the leadership formalities nearly complete, the more delicate exercise now lies ahead for Sarma — choosing his cabinet colleagues.Assam, with 126 members in the legislative assembly, can have a maximum of 19 ministers, including the chief minister. Sarma can induct up to 18 ministers from NDA’s pool of 102 MLAs drawn from BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF).In addition, two MLAs will be appointed as the speaker and deputy speaker.In Assam, cabinet formation traditionally balances performance, experience, community and regional representation. NDA’s elected MLAs reflect Assam’s diverse social fabric, including members from the Ahom, Koch Rajbongshi, scheduled castes, tea tribes, Moran, Motok, Chutia and Nath Yogi communities.While most groups have multiple representatives, the Nath Yogi community has just one MLA — Kishore Nath of Barkhola (BJP).Sarma’s choices will be closely watched as he seeks to balance governance with inclusivity across Assam’s varied communities.BJP state president Dilip Saikia told the media that the oath-taking ceremony will be at the Veterinary College playground in Khanapara and more than one lakh people are expected to attend.He said preparations for the event are being closely monitored by the party and the state govt.Several senior BJP functionaries and organisational leaders have been assigned responsibilities to oversee arrangements and maintain discipline during the programme.Saikia said the meetings to be held on May 10 will also be attended by JP Nadda and Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini.NDA will form its govt for the third successive term, securing 102 of the 126 a
