NEW DELHI, May 26:
Narendra Modi was sworn in India’s 15th Prime Minister here this evening, capping a fairy tale rise from a humble tea seller to the leader of the world’s largest democracy.
Modi, who was administered oath of office and secrecy by President Pranab Mukherjee at a grand ceremony on the sprawling lawns of Rashtrapati Bhavan, leads a country of 1.25 billion people with a promise of fast growth and good governance.
The ceremony was attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and Bhutan Prime Minister Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay.
Speaker Shirin Chaudhury represented Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina besides the SAARC leaders, Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam also attended the ceremony.
Modi said in keeping with his commitment to ‘minimum Government, maximum governance,’ he had made ‘unprecedented and positive changes’ in ministry formation.
Various assembled ministries would be transformed into ‘organic ministries’ for quicker pace of work and better coordination between departments.
‘Keeping our commitment to minimum Government, maximum governance we have made an unprecedented and positive change in ministry formation,’ Modi said.
He described it as a step towards ‘smart governance’ which would give an added impetus to fulfil people’s aspirations.
Presence of SAARC leaders at the swearing-in, Modi said, had made the occasion more memorable.
(AGENCIES)