BJP making Sarbananda Sonowal’s swearing a gala event

GUWAHATI: After managing to win the first major state in eastern India, the BJP is making attempts to turn the swearing-in ceremony of Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday into a gala event and opportunity for engagement with neighbouring countries. The swearing in function in Guwahati’s Khanapara field will be attended by diplomats from Saarc countries besides Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chief ministers of NDA-ruled states and Union Cabinet ministers.

Along with Sonowal, 11ministers are likely to take oath of office. Over one lakh people are expected to turn out for the event.

There will be a separate enclosure for spiritual leaders. Baba Ramdev and Satradhikar of Vaishnavite Satra are likely to attend. BJP spokesperson Bijon Mahajan said “representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal will attend the event.” Modi will wrap up his Iran visit to reach Assam.

In 1985, Assam had seen a similar open-air show, when the Asom Gana Parishad government assumed power. Political analysts see a lot of striking similarities between the 2016 assembly elections and the 1985 elections, where identity issue was at the forefront. Massive security arrangements have been made at the venue. CCTV cameras have also been installed everywhere.