GUWAHATI, ASSAM — In a historic moment for the Northeast, Senior BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Assam for a second consecutive term on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The high-profile ceremony, held at the Veterinary College Ground in Khanapara, Guwahati, was attended by a galaxy of political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several NDA Chief Ministers.
Among the prominent attendees was Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who served as a central co-observer for the government formation. Speaking to the media in Guwahati, Saini expressed immense confidence in the party’s growth, stating that the public’s continued trust in the BJP is a testament to the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
A Milestone Victory for the NDA
The swearing-in ceremony marks the beginning of the third consecutive term for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Assam. Sarma’s return to power is particularly significant as he becomes the first non-Congress leader in the state’s history to serve two successive terms as Chief Minister.
The NDA swept the 2026 Assembly polls, securing a robust mandate with 102 out of 126 seats. The BJP alone bagged 82 seats, while its allies, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), won 10 seats each.
The New Cabinet Takes Shape
Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to Sarma and four other cabinet ministers. The initial induction includes a mix of experienced hands and regional allies:
- Ajanta Neog (BJP)
- Rameswar Teli (BJP)
- Atul Bora (AGP)
- Charan Boro (BPF)
Sarma hinted at an aggressive governance roadmap for his second stint, famously remarking that his first term was “just a trailer” and that the “movie will unfold” in the coming years.
Why This Matters: Consolidation of Power
The 2026 victory solidifies Himanta Biswa Sarma’s position as the primary architect of the BJP’s expansion in the Northeast. Under his leadership, the party has moved beyond traditional strongholds, focusing on infrastructure development, indigenous land rights (the Jati, Mati, Bheti policy), and digital governance.
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini’s presence as a central observer underscores the national importance of the Assam result. It signals a unified BJP strategy across states, bridging the political landscapes of North and Northeast India.
Key Takeaways
- Historical Precedent: Himanta Biswa Sarma is the first non-Congress CM of Assam to win back-to-back terms.
- Mandate: The NDA holds a powerful majority with 102 seats.
- Central Support: PM Modi and the top BJP brass attended, showcasing Assam’s strategic importance.
- Governance Focus: Development, land protection for indigenous communities, and administrative reforms remain top priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who administered the oath to Himanta Biswa Sarma? The oath was administered by the Governor of Assam, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, at the Khanapara Veterinary College field.
2. Which allies are part of the new Assam government? The government is a coalition consisting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF).
3. What was Nayab Singh Saini’s role in the formation? Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini acted as the central co-observer along with JP Nadda to oversee the election of the legislature party leader and the subsequent government formation.
4. How many ministers were sworn in alongside the CM? Four ministers took the oath on the first day, representing both the BJP and its alliance partners.
