Himanta Biswa Sarma to be next Assam chief minister

Himanta Biswa with (right) outgoing CM Sarbananda Sonowal

North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma is all set to become Assam's next Chief Minister after being elected unanimously as the leader of the BJP Legislature Party and subsequently as the NDA Legislature Party on Sunday, central observer and Union Agricultural Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said.

A worker arranges seat as per Covid-19 norms for the oath-taking ceremony at Srimanta Sankardeva Auditorium in Guwahati on Sunday. Pics/PTI

Ending speculations on who would occupy the top post as both Sarma and outgoing chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal were contenders, the powerful NEDA convenor was elected as the legislature party leader, a week after the ruling alliance won the assembly elections with a clear majority for the second successive term.

Sarma called on Governor Jagdish Mukhi at Raj Bhawan on Sunday and staked claim to form government, sources said. The governor will administer him the oath of office on Monday at 12 noon, the sources said.

Sarma's name was proposed by the outgoing CM and seconded by BJP state party president and Patacharkuchi MLA Ranjeet Kumar Dass and newly elected Haflong MLA Nandita Garlosa. As no other name was proposed for the top job, Sarma has been elected unanimously as the BJP Legislature Party leader'', Tomar said.

Considered by many to be the most powerful politician of the entire North Eastern region, 52-year-old Sarma is revered by supporters for his capabilities and reviled by critics for being over-ambitious.

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