Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Assam for a second consecutive term on Tuesday, 12 May, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) formed the government in the northeastern state for the third straight time. Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to Sarma at a grand swearing-in ceremony held at Khanapara, Guwahati.

Key Attendees at the Ceremony

The swearing-in drew a high-profile gathering, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah among the most prominent attendees. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman were also present, alongside BJP national leaders and Chief Ministers from 22 NDA-ruled states. Several prominent religious leaders, including 15 Satradhikars from Assam's Vaishnavite monasteries, attended the event, as did leading industrialists and distinguished personalities from various sectors.

New Council of Ministers

Along with Sarma, five ministers were sworn into the new Council of Ministers at the same ceremony. Former 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 took oath as ministers. The multi-party composition reflects the coalition character of the NDA government in Assam, drawing in regional allies alongside the BJP.

Historic Third Consecutive Term for BJP in Assam

Sarma, dressed in traditional Assamese attire, took the oath amid loud cheers from party workers and supporters gathered at the venue. The BJP has now scripted history by forming the government in Assam for the third consecutive time, further consolidating the party's political dominance in the state. Sarma first assumed the Chief Minister's office in 2021, and his return marks a significant consolidation of personal and party authority in the region. This is the first time any party has achieved three consecutive terms in Assam in the modern political era, underlining a structural shift in the state's electoral landscape.

How Sarma Secured the Mandate

Prior to the swearing-in, Sarma was unanimously elected leader of both the BJP Legislature Party and the NDA Legislature Party in Assam. He subsequently met Governor Acharya to stake a formal claim to form the new government. The NDA secured a decisive mandate in the recently concluded Assam Assembly elections, paving the way for the coalition's return to power. The BJP's consolidation in Assam is also seen as strategically significant for the party's broader presence across the Northeast, a region it has actively worked to expand into over the past decade.

What Comes Next

The full expansion of the Cabinet is expected in the coming days, with more ministers likely to be inducted as coalition partners negotiate portfolios. Sarma's second term will be closely watched for progress on key state priorities including flood management, economic development, and implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Political observers will track whether the new government can sustain its electoral momentum and translate it into governance outcomes over the next five years.