Himanta Biswa Sarma returns as Assam CM as BJP tightens grip on Northeast politics
Himanta Biswa Sarma took oath as the Chief Minister of Assam for a second straight term on Tuesday, strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party’s hold over the politically crucial northeastern state.
Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy during a large ceremony at Khanapara Veterinary Ground in Guwahati. Thousands of BJP workers, supporters and local residents gathered at the venue from early morning as party flags, drums and slogans dominated the atmosphere across the city.
The swearing-in ceremony also turned into a major political show of strength for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the event along with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and senior BJP leaders from across the country.
Alongside Sarma, four ministers also joined the new cabinet. BJP leaders Rameshwar Teli and Ajanta Neog took oath, while alliance partners Atul Bora from AGP and Charan Boro from BPF also entered the ministry.
The BJP-led alliance secured a massive mandate in the recent Assembly election. BJP won 82 out of 126 seats, while alliance partners AGP and BPF added 10 seats each. Together, the coalition crossed the 100-seat mark comfortably and delivered one of the strongest electoral performances in Assam’s recent political history.
In contrast, Indian National Congress struggled to regain lost ground and finished far behind with 19 seats. Smaller regional forces failed to make a major impact despite aggressive campaigning during the election season.
The scale of victory reflects how deeply the BJP has expanded its political network in Assam since 2016. Before that election, Congress had ruled the state continuously for 15 years. BJP broke that dominance by combining regional alliances, aggressive grassroots campaigning and a strong focus on identity politics, infrastructure and welfare delivery.
Since then, the party has steadily widened its support base across urban centres, tea garden belts and tribal regions. Under Sarma’s leadership, BJP also sharpened its organisational machinery and increased its presence in districts that earlier leaned towards Congress or regional parties.
On the ground in Guwahati, BJP workers celebrated the oath ceremony like a festival. Supporters gathered outside party offices carrying posters of Sarma and Modi, while local traders near Khanapara reported heavy crowds and increased business throughout the day.
Political observers say Sarma’s second term may now focus heavily on infrastructure expansion, investment, border security and employment generation. The government also faces pressure to maintain peace in sensitive regions and manage ethnic and political tensions carefully.
Sarma first became Chief Minister in 2021 after Sarbananda Sonowal completed his tenure. Over the past five years, Sarma emerged as one of BJP’s most influential faces in the Northeast and played a central role in the party’s regional expansion strategy.
With another decisive mandate now behind him, Sarma enters his second term from a position of significant political strength. The latest victory has not only reinforced BJP’s dominance in Assam but also strengthened its broader influence across northeastern India.
