Himanta Biswa Sarma Set for Second Term as Assam CM on May 12

Himanta Biswa Sarma has been unanimously elected as the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Legislature Party and the broader National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Assam Assembly on Sunday, May 10, 2026. This significant political development firmly positions him to assume the role of Chief Minister of Assam for his second consecutive term. The decision, which underscores the NDA's robust mandate in the state, was reached following a meeting of the newly elected MLAs in Guwahati. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Khanapara Veterinary Field in Guwahati. This event is anticipated to be a high-profile affair, with several prominent national figures expected to be in attendance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister J.P. Nadda, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini (who served as a central observer), and various other senior NDA leaders and dignitaries are slated to grace the occasion, highlighting the national importance of the new government formation in Assam. The resounding victory of the NDA in the recently concluded 2026 Assam Assembly elections forms the bedrock of Sarma's return to the top office. The alliance, comprising the BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Bodoland People's Front (BPF), and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), secured an unprecedented and decisive mandate from the people of Assam. The NDA comfortably crossed the majority mark of 64 seats in the 126-member House, winning a total of 102 seats. Within this alliance, the BJP alone emerged victorious in 82 constituencies, demonstrating a significant increase in its stronghold, while its key allies, AGP and BPF, each secured 10 seats. This electoral triumph marks the third consecutive NDA government in Assam. The BJP first came to power in the state in 2016, forming a government led by Sarbananda Sonowal. Himanta Biswa Sarma, who then played a pivotal role as a key strategist and minister, took over as Chief Minister in 2021 after the BJP-led alliance secured its second term. His current re-election for a second consecutive term as Chief Minister is a testament to his consolidated leadership and growing popularity in the region. Sarma's leadership has been widely credited for consolidating the NDA's position within Assam and for successfully expanding its influence across the wider Northeastern region of India. His administrative acumen and aggressive campaign style resonated with a broad spectrum of voters, further bolstered by various welfare schemes and infrastructure development projects initiated during his previous tenure. In the recent elections, Sarma himself secured a commanding victory from his constituency of Jalukbari, reinforcing his personal appeal and strong grassroots connection. Earlier this week, around May 6, 2026, Sarma had formally tendered his resignation to Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, a procedural step to pave the way for the formation of the new government. He was subsequently asked to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister until the new administration could be sworn in. The proposal for Sarma's election as the legislature party leader was put forth by eight BJP legislators, including several ministers from the outgoing government, and received unanimous backing from the alliance partners, AGP and BPF. Following his election, Sarma, accompanied by other NDA leaders and central observers, met Governor Acharya to formally stake claim to form the government. Looking ahead, the new government under Himanta Biswa Sarma's leadership is expected to continue its focus on developmental work, implement promised welfare schemes, and work towards further strengthening Assam across various socio-economic sectors. This historic occasion also marks Sarma as the only non-Congress Chief Minister in Assam to assume office for two successive terms, highlighting a significant shift in the state's political landscape. The comprehensive victory, largely attributed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and the dedicated efforts of BJP workers, has reinforced the party's commitment to making Assam a developed and secure state. The anticipation for the swearing-in ceremony on May 12 is high, as the state prepares for another term under Sarma's stewardship.

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