Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday, 7 May inspected the Veterinary Field in Khanapara, Guwahati, reviewing preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit and the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Council of Ministers, scheduled for 12 May. The high-profile event is expected to draw more than one lakh attendees and a constellation of senior National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders from across the country.

What Sarma Reviewed at Khanapara

During the site inspection, Chief Minister Sarma assessed security arrangements, seating plans, traffic management, stage construction, and broader logistical preparations at the Veterinary College Playground in Khanapara. Senior civil, police, and district administration officials accompanied him and briefed him on the progress of the arrangements. Officials confirmed that elaborate security and administrative measures are being put in place given Prime Minister Modi's participation.

Key Attendees Expected on May 12

State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Dilip Saikia told reporters that the oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. at the Khanapara venue. He confirmed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former BJP national president J. P. Nadda, several Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Deputy Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states, and senior party leaders from across the country are expected to attend. The ceremony is being described as a significant political gathering for the NDA in the Northeast.

PM Modi's Arrival Schedule

According to Saikia, Prime Minister Modi is likely to land at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati at around 10.15 a.m. on 12 May. He will then proceed to the Narengi helipad before reaching the swearing-in venue at Khanapara. The tight schedule underlines the security and logistical complexity of coordinating a visit of this scale.

Public Enthusiasm and Party Preparations

Saikia said there is massive public enthusiasm across Guwahati and other parts of Assam regarding the formation of the new NDA government in the state. He noted that a large number of supporters and citizens are expected to gather at Khanapara to witness what he called a historic occasion. Several ministers, senior BJP functionaries, and organisational leaders have been assigned specific responsibilities for overseeing arrangements and maintaining discipline during the programme. The party and state government are jointly monitoring preparations closely.

Significance of the Ceremony

The swearing-in marks the formal constitution of the BJP-led NDA government in Assam following the recently concluded state elections. The presence of top central leadership — including the Prime Minister and Home Minister — at a state swearing-in underscores the strategic importance the BJP places on Assam and the broader Northeast region. This comes amid the NDA's continued effort to consolidate its political footprint in states where it has secured fresh mandates.

All eyes will now be on 12 May as Guwahati prepares to host one of the most high-profile political events the state has seen in recent years.