Himanta Biswa Sarma will take the oath of office as Chief Minister of Assam for a second consecutive term on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 [1].
The swearing-in ceremony in Guwahati marks a significant consolidation of power for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the northeast. By securing a third consecutive term, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has established a dominant political foothold in the region.
The victory provides the government with a substantial mandate, having won a two-thirds majority in the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly [2]. A BJP leader said, "We have secured a two-thirds majority in the 126-member Assembly, giving us a strong mandate" [2].
Eight BJP legislators proposed Sarma's name as the legislature party leader to formalize his return to the office [3]. Along with the chief minister, four ministers will be sworn in: two from the BJP, one from the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), and one from the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) [3].
High-ranking national officials are expected to attend the event in the state capital. "PM Modi and Amit Shah will attend the swearing-in ceremony," a senior BJP spokesperson said [4].
Sarma indicated that his administration will focus on fulfilling campaign promises during the new term. "Implementing the party manifesto will be our government's aim," Sarma said [4].
“"Implementing the party manifesto will be our government's aim," said Himanta Biswa Sarma.”
Sarma's second term and the NDA's two-thirds majority suggest a period of legislative stability in Assam, reducing the likelihood of parliamentary deadlock. The inclusion of AGP and BPF ministers in the cabinet reflects a strategic coalition approach to maintain regional support across diverse ethnic, and political landscapes in the state.
