Himanta Biswa Sarma submits resignation, clears way for new Assam government

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday submitted his resignation to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, paving the way for the formation of a new government following the NDA’s decisive victory in the Assembly elections.

The resignation came after the formal submission of election results to the Governor by the Chief Electoral Officer earlier in the day. Sarma’s move is in line with constitutional procedure, enabling the process of government formation to begin.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a third consecutive term in Assam, winning 102 seats in the 126-member Assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the dominant force with 82 seats, while its allies — Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland Peoples Front — won 10 seats each.

Sarma, who was the chief ministerial face of the ruling alliance, is expected to be re-elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party. 

A meeting of newly elected BJP MLAs is likely to be convened shortly under the supervision of central observers J. P. Nadda and Baijayant Panda to formalise the leadership selection.

Following this, the Governor is expected to invite the NDA to form the next government.

On the opposition front, Sarma reiterated that the Indian National Congress, despite having 19 MLAs, may not qualify for the post of Leader of the Opposition, as the minimum requirement stands at 22 members under existing norms. 

In such a scenario, while parties will have their legislative leaders, the Assembly may not have a formally recognised Leader of the Opposition.