Himanta Biswa Sarma took the oath of office as the Chief Minister of Assam for his second consecutive term on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the state capital Dispur, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several other senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in attendance.
A Grand Ceremony at Dispur
The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati, a venue that has historically hosted significant state events. The event was a high-profile affair, reflecting the BJP's stronghold in the region. Alongside Sarma, several ministers were also sworn in, forming a full cabinet for the new term. The ceremony was attended by thousands of party workers and supporters, who gathered to witness the beginning of the second Sarma-led government.
Key Attendees and Political Significance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence underscored the central government's support for the Assam leadership. Home Minister Amit Shah, who has been instrumental in the BJP's expansion in the Northeast, was also present. Other notable attendees included Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, BJP national president J.P. Nadda, and chief ministers from several BJP-ruled states. The ceremony highlighted the party's focus on the region, which has been a stronghold for the BJP in recent years.
Sarma's First Term Achievements
Himanta Biswa Sarma, who first took office in 2021, has been credited with several key initiatives during his first term. These include the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rules, a crackdown on illegal immigration, and efforts to boost infrastructure and healthcare in the state. His government also focused on cultural preservation, particularly the promotion of Assamese language and traditions. The second term is expected to build on these achievements, with a focus on economic development and social welfare.
Cabinet Portfolio Allocation
The new cabinet includes a mix of experienced ministers and fresh faces. Key portfolios such as Home, Finance, and Education have been retained by senior BJP leaders. The allocation reflects a balance between continuity and change, with some new ministers taking charge of departments like Tourism, Panchayati Raj, and Minority Affairs. The full list of ministers and their portfolios was released shortly after the ceremony.
Political Context and Future Plans
The BJP's victory in the 2026 Assam assembly elections was seen as a continuation of the party's dominance in the state. The election campaign focused on issues of national security, development, and cultural identity. Sarma's leadership was a central theme, with the party highlighting his administrative acumen and grassroots connect. In his address after taking oath, Sarma thanked the people of Assam for their trust and outlined his vision for the next five years, which includes making Assam a hub for trade and commerce in the Northeast, improving education and healthcare, and ensuring inclusive growth for all communities.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from the new Chief Minister, who reiterated his commitment to the state's progress and unity. With a strong mandate and a full cabinet in place, the Sarma government is poised to continue its work on transforming Assam into a model state in the region.
