Assam: Senior BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma is all set to continue as Assam’s Chief Minister after being unanimously elected leader of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state Assembly on Sunday.
The announcement was made by Union minister and BJP national president J.P. Nadda following a key meeting of the party’s legislature wing in Guwahati. Nadda, who attended the gathering as the party’s central observer, said Sarma’s name was proposed by eight BJP legislators and received full support from alliance partners.
Leaders of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), both constituents of the ruling alliance, backed Sarma’s candidature, clearing the way for his return to the top post for a second straight term.
The meeting was also attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who was appointed as co-observer for the leadership selection process.
Following his formal election, Sarma is expected to meet Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya later in the day to stake claim to form the new government. Senior alliance leaders are likely to accompany him during the visit to Raj Bhavan.
The NDA registered a commanding performance in the recently concluded Assembly elections, securing a decisive two-thirds majority in the 126-member House. The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 82 seats, while both AGP and BPF added 10 seats each to the alliance tally.
The fresh mandate marks the third straight electoral victory for the BJP-led alliance in Assam, strengthening its political hold in the northeastern state. Sarma is now expected to begin consultations on Cabinet formation ahead of the swearing-in ceremony.
