Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday, 12 May described the BJP-led NDA's third consecutive victory in the Assam Assembly elections as a "historic hat-trick", saying the people had voted overwhelmingly for development and for the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Shinde made the remarks in Guwahati shortly after Sarma was sworn in as Chief Minister for a second consecutive term.

Sarma Takes Oath at Khanapara

Himanta Biswa Sarma was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya at a grand swearing-in ceremony held at Khanapara, Guwahati. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and NDA leaders attended the event. Along with Sarma, four Ministers were also sworn in — 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.

Shinde's Tribute to Sarma's Leadership

Speaking to reporters, Shinde said there was a festive atmosphere across the state. "There is a festive atmosphere in Assam today. Himanta Biswa Sarma taking the oath as Chief Minister was a moment of happiness for the people of the state. This is a historic hat-trick for the BJP-led NDA in Assam," Shinde said.

Praising Sarma's governance record, Shinde described him as a "dynamic and visionary leader" who had accelerated infrastructure development and launched several welfare initiatives. "Infrastructure development has increased significantly, and many welfare schemes have been launched. Good work has been done in the health and education sectors, which is why the people have given him a landslide mandate," he said.

Modi's Vision and Double-Engine Government

Shinde further attributed the NDA's sweeping electoral success to public faith in Prime Minister Modi's vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" and his resolve to make India a global power. "The people have trusted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and given a landslide mandate. Double-engine governments will now work faster for Assam's development," he added.

Shinde also credited Home Minister Amit Shah for the NDA's electoral strategy, saying the alliance's victory reflected the success of his political planning. This marks the third straight time the BJP-led NDA has formed the government in Assam, consolidating the party's grip on the northeastern state.

Significance of the Third Consecutive Win

The NDA's hat-trick in Assam is notable in a state that had historically seen alternating governments between the Congress and regional formations. Sarma, who took charge in 2021 after the alliance's first majority win, has since positioned Assam as a showcase for BJP governance in the Northeast. This second consecutive term for Sarma — and the third government for the NDA — signals a consolidation of political ground that the BJP has been building in the region since 2016. With the double-engine government now firmly in place, attention will turn to whether the development agenda Shinde praised translates into measurable outcomes in the coming term.