From Congress strategist to BJP strongman: Himanta returns as Assam CM
Despite harsh criticism from the Congress and a series of allegations against his wife, Sarma remained unaffected and helped the BJP gain a dominant position in Assam, reshaping the region’s political landscape in favor of the ruling NDA.
The 57-year-old leader vowed to continue the state’s development journey, stating that his first tenure as CM “was just a trailer and the movie will emerge in the second term”.
Also Read: ‘Mother’ of Assam returns: Himanta Biswa Sarma swears in as Chief Minister for second term
Despite his development initiatives, introduction of social welfare programs, and focus on protecting the land rights of indigenous communities, his first term was marked by controversial measures and rhetoric specifically targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims of Bangladeshi origin.
Actions such as eviction operations on allegedly violated land, a crackdown on child marriage, moves against polygamy, the introduction of the Cattle Protection Act and the closure of government-run madrassas have drawn criticism from opposition parties, who accuse him of deepening social polarization.
He remained defiant despite the controversy, although a controversy involving Congress leader Pawan Khera’s allegations against his wife led to a bitter exchange that was even mentioned in the Supreme Court judgment granting relief to Khera. Opposition parties, especially the Congress, repeatedly alleged corruption and questioned his wife’s business dealings during his tenure, but all these accusations were denied by the prime minister.
Sarma, once considered the most influential politician in the Northeast, emerged as one of the key campaigners of the BJP and was instrumental in the party’s decisive victory, bagging 82 seats in the 126-member assembly.
But political analysts criticized his rhetoric as divisive and unbecoming of a constitutional office holder.
Also Read: Man caught with bullets at Assam government’s new swearing-in ceremony
After losing his first election in 1996, Sarma has represented Jalukbari continuously since 2001, winning as both Congress and BJP candidates. A minister in successive governments since 2001, he earned a reputation for effectiveness and political strategy.
Mentored by former Congress chief ministers Hiteswar Saikia and Tarun Gogoi, Sarma rose steadily within the party until disagreements with Gogoi led to his departure in 2015.
The BJP quickly inducted him, leveraging his influence to strengthen its presence in the Northeast.
As the founder of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), he played a pivotal role in bringing all eight states in the Northeast under the ambit of the NDA, either through BJP governments or allied partners.
Sarma started his political journey during the anti-foreigner Assam Agitation of the 1980s and initially worked with All Assam Students Union (AASU) leaders like Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and Bhrigu Kumar Phukan before entering mainstream politics.
He became a minister in 2001 under the leadership of Tarun Gogoi. Impressed by Sarma’s political skills, Gogoi appointed him as minister of state for agriculture, planning and development and later gave him additional responsibilities during the same period.
Facing a wave against power in 2011, the Congress relied heavily on Sarma’s strategy skills and managed to come to power for the third consecutive term. During this period, a rift developed between Sarma and Gogoi’s son Gaurav.
Sarma was sidelined in the Congress and resigned from the ministry, the assembly and then the party in 2015 before joining the BJP.
He, along with Sarbananda Sonowal, was instrumental in forming the first government of the saffron party in Assam in 2016. He held important posts such as finance, health, education and public works before succeeding Sonowal as chief minister in 2021.
He was born in Jorhat to famous Assamese poet and novelist Kailash Nath Sarma and literary activist Mrinalini Devi. In 1992, he received a master’s degree in political science and a doctorate in the same subject.
Sarma received his LL.B degree in 1995 and worked in the Gauhati High Court for five years before entering politics in 2001. He has two children, a son and a daughter.
