Assam: Himanta Biswa Sarma elected NDA leader, set to return as CM for second term

Himanta Biswa Sarma was on Sunday, May 10, unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Assam Assembly, clearing the way for him to take oath as chief minister for a second consecutive term.

The announcement was made by J. P. Nadda after the BJP legislature party meeting held in Guwahati. Nadda, who attended the meeting as the central observer, said eight BJP legislators proposed Sarma’s name for the top post.

The meeting was also attended by Nayab Singh Saini, who was present as co-observer. BJP’s alliance partners, Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People’s Front — extended their support to Sarma’s candidature, leading to his unanimous election as the NDA legislature party leader.

Following his election, Sarma and senior NDA leaders are scheduled to meet Lakshman Prasad Acharya at Lok Bhawan later in the day to discuss the formation of the new government. The alliance is expected to formally stake claim to form the government during the meeting.

The BJP-led NDA secured a decisive mandate in the recently concluded Assembly elections, returning to power in the state for a third consecutive term with a two-thirds majority in the 126-member House. The BJP won 82 seats, while its allies AGP and BPF secured 10 seats each.