Himanta Biswa Sarma begins second term as Assam Chief Minister

Himanta Biswa Sarma has begun his second consecutive term as the Chief Minister of Assam. This continuation of leadership signifies the BJP's entrenched political position in the Northeast region.

Widely credited for the BJP's ascent across the Northeast, Sarma's second term as Chief Minister underscores the party's growing influence in the region.

Despite facing significant criticism from the Congress and various allegations, including those against his wife, Sarma has maintained a strong stance, enabling the BJP to secure a dominant position in Assam and reshape the regional political landscape in favor of the NDA.

The 57-year-old leader has pledged to advance the state's development trajectory, metaphorically stating that his first term was merely a "trailer" for the "movie" to unfold in his second tenure.

While Sarma's first term focused on development initiatives, welfare schemes, and the protection of land rights for indigenous communities, it was also characterized by controversial measures and rhetoric. These actions, particularly those targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims of Bangladeshi descent, have drawn criticism.

Specific actions such as eviction drives on alleged encroached lands, crackdowns on child marriage and polygamy, the enforcement of the Cattle Protection Act, and the closure of government-run madrasas have been points of contention. Opposition parties accuse him of exacerbating social polarization through these measures.

Sarma has remained defiant amidst these controversies. A notable instance involved a public exchange with Congress leader Pawan Khera regarding allegations against Sarma's wife, an issue that even warranted mention in a Supreme Court order providing relief to Khera.

Opposition parties, notably the Congress, have consistently leveled corruption charges during Sarma's tenure and questioned his wife's business dealings, claims that the Chief Minister has consistently denied.

Considered a highly influential politician in the Northeast, Sarma was a key campaigner for the BJP, contributing to the party's decisive victory by securing 82 out of 126 assembly seats.

Political analysts, however, have voiced criticism regarding Sarma's rhetoric, deeming it divisive and inappropriate for a constitutional office holder.

Sarma, who previously lost his electoral debut in 1996, has represented Jalukbari without interruption since 2001, having won as a candidate for both the Congress and the BJP. As a minister in successive governments since 2001, he developed a reputation for effective administration and strategic political maneuvering.

Initially mentored by former Congress chief ministers Hiteswar Saikia and Tarun Gogoi, Sarma's political career progressed steadily within the party. However, a divergence of views with Tarun Gogoi led to his departure from the Congress in 2015.

The BJP promptly inducted Sarma, recognizing his influence as a means to bolster its presence in the Northeast.

As the convenor of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), Sarma played a crucial role in bringing all eight Northeastern states under the NDA's umbrella, either through direct BJP governance or via allied partnerships.

Sarma's political journey commenced during the anti-foreigner Assam Agitation in the 1980s. He initially collaborated with leaders from the All Assam Students' Union (AASU), including Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and Bhrigu Kumar Phukan, before transitioning into mainstream politics.

He became a minister under Tarun Gogoi in 2001. Impressed by Sarma's political acumen, Gogoi appointed him as Minister of State for Agriculture, Planning, and Development, later assigning him additional responsibilities within the same term.

In 2011, facing anti-incumbency, the Congress heavily relied on Sarma's strategic expertise to secure power for a third consecutive term. It was during this period that a rift emerged between Sarma and Tarun Gogoi's son, Gaurav.

Feeling marginalized within the Congress, Sarma resigned from his ministerial position, his assembly seat, and subsequently from the party in 2015, before joining the BJP.

Alongside Sarbananda Sonowal, he was instrumental in establishing the saffron party's inaugural government in Assam in 2016. He held significant portfolios, including finance, health, and education, prior to succeeding Sonowal as Chief Minister in 2021.

Born in Jorhat to the distinguished Assamese poet and novelist Kailash Nath Sarma and literary activist Mrinalini Devi, Sarma earned a Master's degree in Political Science in 1992, followed by a PhD in the same field.

He obtained an LL.B degree in 1995 and practiced law at the Gauhati High Court for five years before entering politics in 2001. Himanta Biswa Sarma is married with two children, a son and a daughter.