Himanta Biswa Sarma has been formally chosen as the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) legislative party in Assam, setting the stage for his swearing-in as the state's next Chief Minister on May 12. The decision was announced after a meeting of NDA legislators held in Guwahati on Monday.
Unanimous Decision
The meeting, which took place at the state BJP headquarters, saw unanimous support for Sarma's leadership. Senior BJP leaders, including Union Minister and party observer for Assam, were present. Sarma, who served as the state's Health and Education Minister in the outgoing government, will succeed Sarbananda Sonowal.
Sonowal's Tenure
Sarbananda Sonowal, who has been the Chief Minister of Assam since 2016, is likely to join the Union Cabinet. His tenure was marked by significant developments, including the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the signing of the Bodo Accord.
Sarma's elevation comes after the BJP-led NDA secured a landslide victory in the recently concluded Assam assembly elections, winning 75 out of 126 seats. The BJP alone bagged 60 seats, while its allies, the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) and the Gana Suraksha Party (GSP), contributed to the tally.
Political Journey
Himanta Biswa Sarma, a former Congress leader, joined the BJP in 2015 and played a crucial role in expanding the party's base in the northeastern region. He is known for his administrative acumen and has been instrumental in handling the COVID-19 pandemic in Assam.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati on May 12. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other dignitaries are expected to attend the event.
With Sarma at the helm, the state government is expected to focus on infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and job creation. The new cabinet is also likely to be formed soon after the oath-taking ceremony.
