Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on May 13 said Assam feels more secure with BJP in power in West Bengal, asserting that the political alignment between the two neighbouring States would improve coordination on shared challenges.

Speaking to reporters in Guwahati, a day after taking oath for a second consecutive term as Chief Minister, Sarma said Assam and West Bengal have historically faced several common issues, particularly in the areas of law and order and inter-State coordination.

“Now that we have a government in West Bengal, Assam is feeling more secure because we face many common issues. In the past, there were instances where criminals could cross over to Bengal, and cooperation was not always easy. The situation has now changed,” he said.

Sarma said the new political arrangement would enable both State governments to work more closely in areas of governance, security and development.

“The governments of West Bengal and Assam can work jointly in many sectors for the development of both States. This was not the case for many decades. The future is looking promising,” he said.

Referring to the participation of West Bengal’s leadership in his swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, Sarma said it reflected the beginning of stronger regional cooperation.

“The presence of the West Bengal Chief Minister at the oath-taking ceremony, and the warmth shown by the people of West Bengal, project a bright future for the Northeast,” he added.

Sarma was sworn in as Chief Minister for a second consecutive term after the BJP-led alliance retained power in Assam.