Ranjit Kumar Das was elected as the Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly on 21 May 2025, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma describing the elevation as a moment of pride for lakhs of grassroots workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking on the floor of the Assembly shortly after Das assumed charge, Sarma paid tribute to the veteran leader's political journey and commitment to democratic values.

A Hard-Fought Electoral Path to the Chair

Sarma recalled that Das had been fielded from the Sarbhog Assembly constituency — a more challenging seat than the one he previously held — and that the contest was far from straightforward. The Chief Minister admitted he had feared having to bear 'moral responsibility' if Das had lost, given the difficult political terrain. Speculation on social media and within party circles had questioned whether Das could hold on.

'Many people, including leaders from our own party, used to ask whether Ranjit Kumar Das would lose the election. But both of us were always certain that he would win comfortably,' Sarma said on the floor of the House.

Das' confidence, according to Sarma, proved well-founded. He was re-elected from Sarbhog with a significant margin in the 2026 Assam Assembly polls, vindicating both his own assessment and the Chief Minister's decision to field him from a tougher seat.

What Das' Election Means for the BJP's Rank and File

Sarma underlined that Das' elevation to the Speaker's chair was not merely a personal milestone but a symbol of recognition for ordinary party workers. He said lakhs of BJP members who come from humble backgrounds and work tirelessly at the grassroots level had a reason to celebrate.

The Chief Minister also pointed to Das' organisational roots in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), his long political experience, and his familiarity with parliamentary traditions as qualities that would help him emerge as a respected and effective Speaker.

Call for Impartiality and 'Nation First' Conduct

While celebrating the appointment, Sarma was equally emphatic about the responsibilities the new Speaker must uphold. He urged Das to maintain strict neutrality in conducting House proceedings and to give the Opposition adequate space to voice its views.

'We want a Speaker who is impartial, who allows the Opposition to speak, and who places the interests of the nation and Assam above party considerations,' Sarma said. He invoked the BJP's stated ideological principle of 'Nation First, Party Last' as the guiding philosophy Das should carry into the chair.

Sarma also drew a distinction between Das' role inside and outside the Assembly — noting that while the Speaker must be politically neutral within the House, Das would continue to be an important elected representative and political figure in his capacity outside it.

What Comes Next

With the newly constituted Assam Legislative Assembly now having its Speaker in place, the House is set to proceed with its regular legislative business. Das' tenure will be closely watched for how he balances the BJP's dominant majority against the Opposition's right to be heard — a test that Sarma himself has publicly set for the new Speaker.