India, May 11 -- Assam Chief Minister-designate Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that the new BJP-led NDA government in the state is likely to have around 18 to 19 ministers, ahead of its oath-taking ceremony scheduled for May 12.

Speaking to reporters, Sarma clarified that no final list of ministers has been prepared yet and that discussions were still underway.

"As of now, no final list of ministers has been prepared. The decision will be taken late tonight after I hold discussions with our National President J. P. Nadda, who is arriving in Guwahati this evening. Only after consulting him will we finalise the names," he said.

The BJP-led NDA government in Assam is set to take oath for a third consecutive term on May 12 in the prese...