Shimla: BJP leader Jai Ram Thakur on Wednesday was sworn in the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh. Ten ministers also took oath along with the 52-year-old Thakur.
Prime minister Narendra Modi, home minister Rajnath Singh, BJP president Amit Shah, former deputy prime minister L K Advani and several union ministers and chief ministers attended the swearing-in ceremony.
The BJP has won 44 seats in the 68-member house.
The Ridge Ground turned saffron with BJP flags fluttering all around and cut outs of Modi, Amit Shah and Jai Ram Thakur dominating the scene.
Massive security and other arrangements were made for the grand function.
About 1,000 security men have been deployed on security duty besides intelligence men in plain clothes. Security has been beefed up and sharp shooters have been deployed at several locations and all entry points at interstate borders are under vigil, DGP Somesh Goyal said.