After PM Modi’s appeals to the nation, urging citizens to become partners in strengthening the country amid the West Asia crisis, a senior official of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Monday emphasised that they were aimed at “collective participation to navigate challenges”.

The move comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed its first-ever government in Bengal following an election marred by controversies. Agarwal’s appointment has drawn sharp criticism from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the party that was in power in the state for the last 15 years.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 11:40 AM on May 12 at Veterinary College Field, Khanapara in Guwahati.