Himanta Biswa Sarma Elected BJP Legislative Leader, To Take Oath As Assam CM On May 12

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially finalized the name for the next Chief Minister of Assam, while dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma was unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP Legislative Party and the NDA Legislative Party today. Following this decision, it has been confirmed that Himanta Biswa Sarma will take the oath as the Chief Minister of Assam for the second time on May 12. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the swearing-in ceremony as the chief guest.

Legislative Party Meeting and Role of Observers

To facilitate the election of the legislative party leader, the BJP appointed former National President JP Nadda and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini as observers. A meeting of the Assam BJP Legislative Party was convened, where the leader was formally elected, while it's noteworthy that Himanta Biswa Sarma had resigned from the post of Chief Minister on May 6 and is currently serving as the acting Chief Minister. With the formation of the new government, he's set to lead the state for a second consecutive term.

Assembly Election Statistics and Alliance Victory

In the 126-member Assam Assembly, the BJP proved its strength by winning 82 seats. Among its allies, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) secured 10 seats, and the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) also won 10 seats. Consequently, the NDA alliance has achieved a two-thirds majority with a total of 102 seats, providing a strong mandate for government formation.

Political Journey of Himanta Biswa Sarma

Himanta Biswa Sarma's political journey began in the 1990s as an active leader of the All Assam Students Union (AASU). He then entered mainstream politics with the Congress party. After becoming an MLA for the first time from the Jalukbari seat in 2001, he emerged as the most trusted lieutenant of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and a 'troubleshooter' for the government. Handling key portfolios like Health and Education, he proved his administrative prowess. However, due to differences with the Congress leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi, in 2015, he left the party and joined the BJP.

Role as 'Chanakya' in BJP and Chief Ministership

Upon joining the BJP, Sarma was appointed the convener of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA). He played a pivotal role, akin to a 'Chanakya', in forming BJP and allied governments in Northeast states including Assam, Manipur, Tripura, and Meghalaya. He was instrumental in forming the first BJP government in Assam in 2016 and served as the most powerful minister in the Sarbananda Sonowal cabinet. Ultimately, following the massive victory in the 2021 assembly elections, the party acknowledged his political stature and entrusted him with the responsibility of being the 15th Chief Minister of Assam.

The selection of Himanta Biswa Sarma comes in recognition of his administrative experience and his contribution to the expansion of the BJP in Northeast India. The formal tenure of the new government in Assam will begin with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for May 12.