Assam: Himanta Biswa Sarma Elected NDA Leader, Expected to Return as Chief Minister

Himanta Biswa Sarma Elected as NDA Leader in Assam Assembly

Himanta Biswa Sarma has been elected as the leader of the BJP-led NDA in the Assam assembly, paving the way for him to become the chief minister for the second consecutive term in the state. This development comes after Union minister J P Nadda's announcement on Sunday.

The election of Sarma marks the third successive NDA government in Assam, with the saffron party-led administration first assuming power in 2016, headed by Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal. Eight BJP legislators, including ministers in the outgoing government – Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Ajanta Neog, Ashok Singhal, and Pijush Hazarika – proposed Sarma's name as its legislature party leader.

The BJP partners in the alliance, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF), also supported Sarma's nomination, leading to his unanimous election as the NDA leader. Earlier, the Assam BJP's legislature party met to elect its leader, with the alliance partners joining soon after. Central observers J P Nadda and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini were present at the meeting.

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Sarma, addressing the NDA legislators after being named the alliance leader, thanked the people of the state for the mandate in last month's elections. He stated that he will meet the governor to stake claim to form the government. The NDA had secured a two-thirds majority in the assembly polls, with the BJP bagging 82 seats, while its allies AGP and BPF won 10 each, in the 126-member House.

Sarma expressed his gratitude to the AGP and BPF for their support during the assembly polls. He asserted that the next government will work with more vigour for the welfare of all sections. The new government will take oath on May 12 at the Khanapara veterinary college in the presence of PM Narendra Modi, Union ministers, NDA leaders, and other top dignitaries.