Himanta Biswa Sarma resigns as Assam CM; Oath-taking likely after May 11

Himanta Biswa Sarma resigned as the Chief Minister of Assam along with his council of ministers, paving the way for the formation of a new government after the BJP-led NDA’s decisive victory in the assembly elections.

The resignation was submitted to Governor Laxman Acharya at Lok Bhawan. The Governor accepted the resignation and requested Sarma to continue as caretaker chief minister until the new government takes charge.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance secured 102 seats in the 126-member Assam Assembly. Polling was conducted on April 9, and results were declared on May 4.

Speaking to reporters, Sarma said the oath-taking ceremony is expected to be held after May 11. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to attend the event but is currently occupied until that date.

On the selection of the next chief minister, Sarma said the party has appointed central observers to oversee the process. J. P. Nadda has been named the central observer, while Nayab Singh Saini will serve as co-observer.

The BJP legislature party will meet before May 11 to elect its leader in the presence of the observers. Following this, NDA allies will finalise the candidate for chief minister, after which the alliance will stake claim to form the government.

Sarma said the decision on cabinet formation, including the induction of new faces, will be taken by the newly elected leader of the legislature party.