Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi fumes over swearing-in snub by Sarma govt
Synopsis
Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi publicly called out the Assam government for allegedly leaving him off the invite list for CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's high-profile swearing-in — attended by PM Modi, Amit Shah, and 15 Satradhikars — despite being a two-time elected legislator. The episode raises pointed questions about opposition inclusion at official state functions.
Key Takeaways
Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi alleged he was not invited to CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's swearing-in on Tuesday at Khanapara, Guwahati .
Gogoi is a two-time elected MLA from Sivasagar .
Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in for a second consecutive term ; BJP-led NDA forms Assam government for a third straight time .
PM Modi , Amit Shah , Rajnath Singh , and Nirmala Sitharaman attended the ceremony.
Four ministers sworn in alongside Sarma: Rameswar Teli , Atul Bora , Charan Boro , and Ajanta Neog .
The Assam government had not responded to Gogoi's allegations at the time of reporting.
Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi on Tuesday publicly expressed resentment after allegedly not receiving an invitation to the swearing-in ceremony of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati. The Sivasagar MLA, a two-time elected legislator, said the state government deliberately excluded opposition representatives from the high-profile event.
What Gogoi Said
Speaking to reporters, Gogoi was unequivocal. "They did not invite me to the swearing-in ceremony. I have become an MLA twice, yet I was not invited," he said. He alleged that the state government selectively excluded opposition figures while extending invitations to dignitaries and political leaders at the event held at Khanapara.
The Swearing-In Ceremony
Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as Chief Minister of Assam for a second consecutive term at a grand ceremony at Khanapara, Guwahati, administered by Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya. The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, along with several top BJP and NDA leaders.
Four MLAs were also sworn in as ministers alongside Sarma: Union Minister Rameswar Teli, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) President Atul Bora, United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) leader Charan Boro, and senior BJP leader Ajanta Neog.
Who Else Attended
The ceremony drew BJP national leaders, Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states, and prominent religious figures including 15 Satradhikars from Assam's Vaishnavite monasteries. Leading industrialists and distinguished personalities from various sectors were also present, underscoring the scale of the occasion.
Political Context
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA registered a sweeping victory in the recently concluded Assam Assembly elections, enabling Sarma to continue as Chief Minister and the alliance to form the government for a third straight term. Gogoi's Raijor Dal is one of the few opposition outfits holding a seat in the Assembly, making his alleged exclusion a pointed question about political protocol at official state functions. The state government had not issued a formal response to Gogoi's claims at the time of reporting.
Point of View
But it surfaces a pattern worth scrutinising: as ruling coalitions grow more dominant, opposition legislators are increasingly sidelined at official state functions that are, by constitutional convention, non-partisan occasions. A swearing-in is not a party event — it is a constitutional moment. The presence of the Prime Minister and four Union ministers only amplified its national significance, making the alleged exclusion of even one elected MLA harder to dismiss as an oversight. The Assam government's silence on the matter is itself a political statement.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Akhil Gogoi upset about the Assam swearing-in ceremony?
Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi alleged he did not receive an invitation to CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's swearing-in at Khanapara, Guwahati, despite being a two-time elected legislator. He said the state government excluded opposition representatives while inviting a wide array of dignitaries.
Who was sworn in as Assam Chief Minister?
Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as Assam Chief Minister for a second consecutive term at Khanapara, Guwahati, administered by Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya. The BJP-led NDA formed the government in Assam for a third straight time.
Who attended the Assam swearing-in ceremony?
PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, BJP national leaders, NDA Chief Ministers, 15 Satradhikars from Assam's Vaishnavite monasteries, and leading industrialists attended.
Who else was sworn in as minister alongside CM Sarma?
Four MLAs were sworn in as ministers: Union Minister Rameswar Teli, AGP President Atul Bora, UPPL leader Charan Boro, and senior BJP leader Ajanta Neog.
Has the Assam government responded to Gogoi's allegations?
The state government had not issued a formal response to Akhil Gogoi's claims about being excluded from the swearing-in ceremony at the time of reporting.
