Once again a significant change has been seen in the political scenario of Assam. Today, Himanta Biswa Sarma took oath as the Chief Minister of the state for the second consecutive time. His return to power was widely expected following the landslide victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA alliance in the recently concluded assembly elections.
Who attended the ceremony?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, J.P. Nadda and chief ministers of several BJP-ruled states attended the swearing-in ceremony, making the event a grand display of political power. Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to Chief Minister Sarma and four other MLAs.
completed two consecutive terms
With this new milestone, Himanta Biswa Sarma has become the first leader other than Congress in Assam to complete two consecutive terms. This achievement is being seen as an important step for the BJP to further strengthen its political hold in Northeast India. According to experts, Sarma’s leadership proved decisive in retaining power in the state for the third consecutive time.
Four prominent leaders of NDA also took oath as ministers.
Rameshwar Teli (from BJP)
Ajanta Neog (from BJP)
Atul Bora (from Assam Gana Parishad – AGP)
Chandan Boro (from Bodoland People’s Front – BPF)
Of these, Ajanta Neog, Atul Boro and Chandan Boro had previously served as members of Sarma’s previous cabinet. Meanwhile, Rameshwar Teli – who has previously served as a Union minister – has returned to active state politics.
NDA’s third consecutive government in Assam
This is the third consecutive NDA government in Assam. Since 2016, when the NDA first assumed power under the leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal, the alliance has maintained a strong position in the state’s politics. Currently, Sonowal is serving as a minister in the central government.
Emphasis on administrative continuity in the cabinet
Ajanta Neog was earlier given the charge of the Finance Department.
Atul Bora was earlier the head of the Agriculture Department. Chandan Boro was given the charge of the transport department. Experts believe that using its extensive experience and stability, this team will effectively implement the policies of the new government.
Tight security arrangements in Guwahati
During the swearing-in ceremony, security arrangements were kept very tight in Guwahati. Surveillance was stepped up across the area, and both central and state security forces were deployed. Under the leadership of Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, various departments coordinated the arrangements of the event, so that the function could be conducted without any hindrance.
BJP’s stronghold in the North-East
This grand swearing-in ceremony not only ushered in a new era in Assam politics but also clearly demonstrated that the BJP-led NDA is continuously strengthening its hold in Northeast India. This is Sarma’s second consecutive term, signaling a new era of stability in state politics and a new momentum to pursue the development agenda.
