“I serve people directly, no other option apart from hardwork”: Himanta Biswa Sarma on public connect

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday March 11 reflected on his humble background, stating that his simple upbringing and lack of a political legacy have shaped his approach to public service and governance.

Addressing an interaction, Sarma said he comes from a modest family and does not believe in maintaining rigid protocols between himself and the people.

“I come from a simple family, so there is no protocol between the people and me. My father was not a Chief Minister, nor was he a minister,” Sarma said, emphasizing that his political journey has been built solely on the support and blessings of the public.

The Chief Minister added that leaders without a political lineage must rely on dedication and hard work to earn public trust. “If I have to do something, then I can only do it with the blessings of the people,” he remarked.

Drawing a contrast with political dynasties, Sarma said those who inherit political power may not always face the same challenges. Referring to prominent leaders such as former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, he suggested that individuals born into influential political families may have different circumstances compared to those who rise through their own efforts.

“If my father had been the Chief Minister or Prime Minister, perhaps I would not have had to put in so much effort,” Sarma said.

He stressed that for leaders without such a legacy, hard work remains the only path to success. “For people like us, what other option do we have? Except hard work, we have no other option,” he added.