Sonowal unanimously elected BJP Legislature Party leader

MLAs P Phukan, Atul Bora, Angoorlata Dela, Bhabesh Kalita and AC Jain supported Sonowal's name.

Union Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot, who attended the meeting as an Observer from the BJP central unit, declared Sonowal elected unanimously as the Legislature Party leader.

Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support, Sonowal said, "We have the spirit of unity and we have to live up to the people's expectations." 

Talking about his meeting with Modi yesterday, Sonowal said the Prime Minister has asked everyone to work honestly for development of all sections of the society.

"He (Modi) said we have got a scope to work for all. He is there for us in our every need. We have to complete the unfinished work," Sonowal said. He said the BJP winning 60 seats in Assam on its own was "completely unexpected for him". 

"People wholeheartedly gave their mandate in our favour. Nothing can be better than this. We have a big responsibility now," he added.

After the meeting, when asked by media about his priorities, Sonowal said implementation of 'Assam Accord' is topmost for him. He also said there is no discomfort in working with his former senior and AGP leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and he will seek guidance from him.

Meanwhile, Assam’s Chief Minister designate Sarbananda Sonowal resigned from the Union Council of Ministers. The resignation letter of 53-year-old Sonowal was forwarded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the President, who accepted it.