Guwahati, May 10 -- By NE NOW NEWS

Guwahati: Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Sunday invited Chief Minister-elect Himanta Biswa Sarma to form the next government in the state, paving the way for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to begin its third consecutive term.

The development came after leaders of the NDA met the Governor at Lok Bhavan and formally staked claim to form the government with Sarma as leader of the alliance legislature party.

In an official statement, Lok Bhavan said the Governor had invited Sarma to form the new government and would administer the oath of office and secrecy to him and members of the new Council of Ministers on May 12 in Guwahati.

The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be atten...