Himanta Biswa Sarma Elected NDA Leader in Assam
Himanta Biswa Sarma has been elected as the leader by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) legislators in Assam, paving the way for him to take oath as the Chief Minister for a second term on Tuesday. The development comes after the BJP-led NDA secured a decisive victory in the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.
Sarma's Hindutva Image and Schemes
Sarma has emerged as one of the biggest Hindutva faces of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His brand received a significant boost due to several steps and schemes implemented targeting the Bengali-speaking Muslim community in Assam. These measures have resonated with a large section of the electorate, consolidating the BJP's support base in the state.
The NDA MLAs unanimously chose Sarma as their leader during a meeting held in Guwahati on Sunday. Senior party leaders, including Union ministers, were present to endorse his candidature. Sarma's second term is expected to focus on continuing the policies that have defined his first tenure, with an emphasis on cultural nationalism and development.
Political analysts note that Sarma's aggressive stance on issues like illegal immigration and the protection of indigenous Assamese culture has strengthened his position within the party and among voters. The upcoming swearing-in ceremony is anticipated to be a grand affair, with top BJP leaders likely to attend.
The election results, declared earlier this week, saw the NDA winning a comfortable majority in the 126-member Assam Assembly. The BJP alone secured over 70 seats, while its allies contributed to the remaining tally. The opposition Congress and other parties failed to mount a significant challenge.
Sarma's first term was marked by several controversial moves, including the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and a crackdown on illegal immigrants. These actions, while criticized by opposition parties and human rights groups, have been popular among the BJP's core voters.
As Sarma prepares for his second term, he has promised to accelerate development projects and maintain law and order in the state. His government is also expected to continue its focus on cultural issues, such as the promotion of Assamese language and traditions.
