Credited with BJP’s ‘political surge’ in the North-East, Himanta Biswa Sarma, a non-tribal, was sworn in as the 15th Chief Minister of Assam on Monday by State Governor Jagdish Mukhi, replacing former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
Sarma had joined the BJP from the Congress in 2015 at the the residence of senior BJP leader Amit Shah’s and was then appointed Convener of the Election Management Committee for the upcoming Assembly Elections in Assam in 2016 that catapulted Sonowal as the State Chief Minister.
Five years down the line Sarma, 52, expanded his clout in the North-East as also in the BJP and upstaged his seven years senior Sonowal
An interesting comment of Sonowal reported locally in March, this year, at a book launch function in Assam reflect that Sonowal was, in a way, still confident that ‘democratic election’ would pave way for him for the second time.
Asked if one needs to be a non-Brahmin from Upper Assam to become the chief minister candidate from the BJP party, Sonowal said “This is a very very…this is a question that should not be raised. Our party BJP is a very democratic party and we believe in people’s democracy.”
His fate was decided in Delhi before it was formally announced in BJP legislature party meet a day before at Gauwhati.
Sarma, a Brahmin, and Sonowal, a kachari-tribal had began their political careers and honed their
political skills as leaders of All Assam Student Union (AASU) and then went seperate ways for years before joining hands together in the BJP.
Prime Minister who had hand-picked Sonowal in 2016, Congratulated Himanta and the other Ministers who took oath.
“Congratulations to Himanta Biswa Ji and the other Ministers who took oath today,” tweeted Modi.
“I am confident this team will add momentum to the development journey of Assam and fulfil aspirations of the people,” the Prime Minister added.
Modi also praised Sonowal for his “immense contribution in strengthening the party in the State”
“My valued colleague @sarbanandsonwal Ji was at the helm of a pro-people and pro-development administration over the last five years. His contribution towards Assam’s progress and strengthening the party in the state is immense, “ prime Minister said to heal the hurt sentiments of the ex-CM and his loyalists.
Sarma took to Twitter to express his gratitude to the people of the state. “With fragrance of Assam in my heart & love of my wonderful people in my veins, I offer my deepest gratitude to you all. I would not have been what I am had it not been for your pious faith in me. On this Day, I vow to work with & for each one of you with greater passion Assam,” he tweeted.
In another tweet, he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying, “This is the biggest day in my life, and I so fondly cherish your generous affection. I assure you we shall leave no stone unturned to carry forward your vision of taking Assam, & NE to greater heights.”
Sarma has an LLB From Government Law College and a PhD from Gauwhati University. Sarma practised law at Gauhati High Court from 1996 to 2001.
He has married Riniki Bhuyan Sarma in 2001, with whom he has a son and a daughter. In 2017, he was elected as the Badminton Association of India president.