Himanta Biswa Sarma to Stake Claim for Assam Government After NDA's Third Consecutive Win

Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam's caretaker Chief Minister, will meet Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya at 11:15 am on Sunday to stake claim to form the next state government, following the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance's victory in the Assam Legislative Assembly elections. The NDA secured 102 seats in the 126-member House, with the BJP winning 82 and allies Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front each securing 10.

Sarma is expected to be appointed Chief Minister for a second term after being unanimously elected leader of the BJP's legislative party at a meeting scheduled for 10 am Sunday. The swearing-in ceremony is planned for May 12. Sarma had submitted his resignation to the Governor on Wednesday in accordance with constitutional protocol.

Ahead of the claim, Sarma met Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, designated as the BJP's central observer and co-observer for Assam, on Saturday. The BJP's win marks its third consecutive term in the state, maintaining its dominance in Assam's political landscape.

The Governor will formally invite Sarma to form the government following the legislature party's decision. The new government is expected to begin functioning immediately after the swearing-in ceremony.