NEW DELHI, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Neiphiu Rio, leader of regional Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) was Thursday sworn-in as Chief Minister of India's northeastern state of Nagaland, officials said.

During the function leader of coalition partner - Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), Y Patton has been appointed as deputy Chief Minister of the state.

Nagaland Governor P.B. Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to Rio, Patton and 10 other cabinet ministers.

"We will ensure the citizens are the real VIP. The people and the masses are the real high command," Rio said.

For this first time the swearing in ceremony was held outside Raj Bhavan (official residence of governor) at Kohima local ground.

The ceremony was open for all and authorities through newspaper advertisements had invited the common people to attend the ceremony.

In the recently held local elections NDPP-Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) combine got 30 seats.

The opposition Naga People's Front (NPF) had emerged the single largest party in the elections, winning 26 seats in 60 member strong Assembly.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaraman and Junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju were among those who attended the swearing-in ceremony.