Himanta Biswa Sarma takes oath as Chief Minister of Assam

Himanta Biswa Sarma, a senior BJP leader, took oath as the Chief Minister of Assam on May 10, 2021. His oath was administered by the Governor of Assam Jagdish Mukhi. The National President of BJP JP Nadda and other senior leaders of the party were also present on the occasion.

He was elected as the leader of BJP’s Legislative Party in Assam and was announced as the next Chief Minister of the state on May 9, 2021.

Himanta Biswa Sarma takes oath as the Chief Minister of Assam. He is being administered the oath by Governor Jagdish Mukhi. BJP national president JP Nadda and other leaders present at the ceremony. pic.twitter.com/1bZQVPlWsd

— ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2021

The announcement came after the meeting of the legislative party which was held on May 9 to decide the next Chief Minister of Assam. A crucial meeting in this regard which was chaired by BJP Chief JP Nadda was also held on May 8 in Delhi.

CM of Tripura Biplab Deb, Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma, Manipur CM N Biren Singh, and Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio also present at the swearing-in ceremony of Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and his cabinet. Former CM Sarbananda Sonowal also present. pic.twitter.com/IdnHSlSd6K

— ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2021

BJP-led NDA alliance had registered a resounding win in the recent assembly elections. The result of the assembly polls was announced on May 2, 2021.

13 Cabinet Ministers take oath:

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's 13 cabinet ministers also take the oath. pic.twitter.com/JeV8LF4ls4

— ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2021

PM Modi extends wishes to new Assam CM, praises former CM

As Himanta Biswa Sarma took oath as the new Chief Minister of Assam, Prime Minister Modi extended his wishes to the new CM and Cabinet Ministers of the state government.

Congratulations to @himantabiswa Ji and the other Ministers who took oath today. I am confident this team will add momentum to the development journey of Assam and fulfil aspirations of the people.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 10, 2021

Prime Minister Modi also acknowledged former CM of Assam Sarbanada Sonowal. Prime Minister addressed him as his valued colleague and acknowledged his contribution to the progress of Assam as well as 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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 10, 2021

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma expresses gratitude to PM Modi:

On being announced as the next Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma took to Twitter to express his gratitude to PM Modi as well as to the people of Assam.

In his tweet, he thanked the Prime Minister for showing faith in him. He assured that the party in Assam will leave no stone unturned and will take the state and North East to greater heights.'

How enormously blessed I feel Hon PM Sri @narendramodi for your faith in me. 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. pic.twitter.com/fQPKjXjDzR

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 9, 2021

While thanking the people of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted that he will work with and each one of the individuals with greater passion. 

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. pic.twitter.com/VyG24TucPl

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 9, 2021

About Himanta Biswa Sarma:

• Sarma had switched to the BJP from Congress six years ago. He has been credited as an architect who brought the northeastern states within the party’s grasp.

• Sarma handled the health portfolio in the former CM Sarbanada Sonowal’s government in the state.

• In 2015, he left the Congress government of Tarun Gogoi, joined BJP, and became its key strategist for the Northeast.

• As BJP recorded a spectacular victory in the 2016 Assam elections, the post of Chief Minister went to Sonowal while Sarma was made the Chief of convener of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA). It is a BJP led front of anti-Congress parties.

Sarbanada Sonowal tenders resignation as Assam CM:

The outgoing Chief Minister of Assam Sarbanada Sonowal on May 9, 2021, tendered his resignation to the Governor of the state Jagdish Chandra Mukhi at Raj Bhavan.

Former CM tweeted that with the blessings of the people, he tendered his resignation as the CM of Assam to the Governor.

With the blessings of the people, tendered my resignation as the Chief Minister of Assam to the Hon'ble Governor Shri @jagdishmukhi ji in Raj Bhavan, Guwahati. pic.twitter.com/t4cu5jsfjQ

— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) May 9, 2021

Issues over the selection of CM of Assam:

The BJP-led NDA had stormed back to power in the crucial Northeastern State and was able to retain its hold on the government.

However, the party was facing issues over the selection of the Chief Ministerial candidate. The former CM Sarbanada Sonowal has been considered as a leader with a clean image who also belongs to Assam’s indigenous tribal community.

On the other hand, a section of the BJP claimed that Himanta will be a better choice considering his appeal to the masses and strong organizational skills.

It was also reported that Himanta Biswa Sarma and the former CM of Assam Sarbanada Sonowal were also summoned to Delhi to take a call on the leadership issue in the state.

BJP in Assam:

The BJP led NDA won a second straight term in the recently concluded Assam Assembly elections. The party had also earlier recorded a victory in the 2016 assembly elections in the state.

The party was able to win 60 seats in 126 member Assam Assembly while its alliances United People’s Party, Liberal got 6 seats and Asom Gana Parishad got 9 seats.