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Sarma begins second consecutive term in Assam
Himanta Biswa Sarma, a key leader in India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), took oath as chief minister of Assam for a second term on Tuesday, following the party's decisive victory in last month's state assembly elections.
BJP consolidates power in northeast
The BJP secured 82 of the 126 seats in the Assam assembly elections held on April 9, with its allies winning an additional 20 seats. This marks the party's third consecutive term in power in the state, a region where smaller parties and the Indian National Congress once dominated.
Sarma, who represents the Jalukbari constituency on the outskirts of Guwahati, has been a pivotal figure in the BJP's expansion in the northeast. The party's vote share in Assam has surged from under 12% a decade ago to 38% in the latest election.
From Congress to BJP: Sarma's political journey
Sarma began his political career with the Congress, serving as a minister under former chief minister Tarun Gogoi. He switched to the BJP in 2015, bringing several loyal legislators with him-a move widely seen as a turning point in the BJP's rise in the region.
Gaurav Gogoi, the son of Tarun Gogoi and now the main opposition leader in Assam, lost his seat in Jorhat in the recent election. Sarma's defection from Congress is credited with weakening the party's influence in the state.
Development and controversy under Sarma's leadership
Supporters praise Sarma's focus on infrastructure and welfare programs, including the Orunodoi scheme, which provides financial aid to women from low-income households. His government has also prioritized road and bridge projects across the state.
However, critics argue that his tenure has been marked by divisive rhetoric on migration and identity. Assam's politics have long been shaped by debates over immigration from Bangladesh, language, and land rights.
"The party tried to bring indigenous communities closer to a broader Hindu identity, while portraying some groups as outsiders."
Akhil Ranjan Dutta, Professor of Political Science, Gauhati University
Opposition parties and rights groups have accused the BJP government of targeting minorities, particularly Bengali-speaking Muslims. Earlier this year, an AI-generated video shared by the state BJP unit depicted Sarma firing at images of political opponents wearing Muslim skullcaps. The video was later removed but drew sharp criticism.
Sarma's broader influence in the BJP
Sarma's strategies in Assam have combined identity politics, targeted outreach, and development initiatives, according to analysts. The BJP has engaged women, youth, farmers, and small business owners through tailored schemes and messaging.
His success in Assam has elevated his profile within the BJP, making him one of the party's most influential leaders in eastern India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several federal ministers, and BJP chief ministers from other states attended his swearing-in ceremony in Guwahati on Tuesday.
Alongside Sarma, four other legislators-two from the BJP and two from local allies-were sworn in as ministers in the new government.
