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{{COI|date=January 2022}}
{{short description|15th and current Chief Minister Of Assam}}
{{short description|15th and current Chief Minister Of Assam}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
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| term_start5        = 7 June 2002
| term_start5        = 7 June 2002
| term_end5          = 31 August 2004
| term_end5          = 31 August 2004
| spouse              = {{Marriage|[[Riniki Bhuyan Sarma]]<br>|7 June 2001}}
| spouse              = {{Marriage|[[Riniki Bhuyan Sarma]]<br/>|7 June 2001}}
| parents            = Kailash Nath Sarma<br>Mrinalini Devi
| parents            =  
| party              = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (2015–present)
| party              = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (2015–present)
| otherparty          = [[Indian National Congress]] (1991–2015)
| otherparty          = [[Indian National Congress]] (1991–2015)
| relations          =  
| relations          =  
| children            = Nandil (son), Sukanya (daughter)
| children            = 2
| alma_mater          = *[[Cotton University|Cotton College]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]], [[Master of Arts|MA]])
| alma_mater          = *[[Cotton University|Cotton College]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]], [[Master of Arts|MA]])
*[[BRM Government Law College]] ([[Bachelor of Laws|LLB]])
*[[BRM Government Law College]] ([[Bachelor of Laws|LLB]])
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}}
}}


'''Himanta Biswa Sarma''' ([[Assamese language|Assamese]]: {{Lang|as|হিমন্ত বিশ্ব শৰ্মা}}; 1 February 1969) is an Indian politician who serves as the 15th and current [[Chief Minister of Assam]]. A former member of the [[Indian National Congress]] political party, Sarma crossed the floor to join the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] on 23 August 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bhatt|first=Sheela|date=15 February 2016|title=Himanta Biswa Sarma: In 2016 Assam election, Bangladeshi immigrants want their own CM too|work=Indian Express|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/himanta-biswa-sarma-in-this-assam-election-bangladeshi-immigrants-want-their-own-cm-too/}}</ref> He is a five time [[Assam Legislative Assembly|Member of the Assam Legislative Assembly]] from [[Jalukbari (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Jalukbari]], having first been elected in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ghosh|first=Abantika|date=2016-05-20|title=I told Rahul Gandhi you will not cross 25 seats, he said we will win: BJP MLA Himanta Biswa Sarma|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/elections-2016/india/india-news-india/assam-assembly-elections-2016-bjp-himanta-biswa-sarma-2809869/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-21|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2021-05-09|title=Himanta Biswa Sarma: Early Life, INC & BJP Political Career, Books, Controversies & more|url=https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/wikipedia-of-himanta-biswa-sarma-muscat-of-saffron-party-in-assam-533950|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=The Sentinel Assam}}</ref>  
'''Himanta Biswa Sarma''' (born 1 February 1969) is an [[Indian politician]] serving as the 15th and [[incumbent]] [[Chief Minister of Assam]]. A former member of the [[Indian National Congress]] political party, Sarma defected to the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] on 23 August 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bhatt|first=Sheela|date=15 February 2016|title=Himanta Biswa Sarma: In 2016 Assam election, Bangladeshi immigrants want their own CM too|work=Indian Express|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/himanta-biswa-sarma-in-this-assam-election-bangladeshi-immigrants-want-their-own-cm-too/}}</ref> He is a five time [[Assam Legislative Assembly|Member of the Assam Legislative Assembly]] from [[Jalukbari (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Jalukbari]], having first been elected in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ghosh|first=Abantika|date=20 May 2016|title=I told Rahul Gandhi you will not cross 25 seats, he said we will win: BJP MLA Himanta Biswa Sarma|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/elections-2016/india/india-news-india/assam-assembly-elections-2016-bjp-himanta-biswa-sarma-2809869/|url-status=live|access-date=21 September 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref name="Sentinel Himanta Biswa Sarma">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=9 May 2021|title=Himanta Biswa Sarma: Early Life, INC & BJP Political Career, Books, Controversies & more|url=https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/wikipedia-of-himanta-biswa-sarma-muscat-of-saffron-party-in-assam-533950|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2021|website=The Sentinel Assam}}</ref>


Sarma cited mismanagement by [[Rahul Gandhi]] as the reason for his defection from the Indian National Congress party. He led the BJP's successful state election campaign in 2016 and was sworn in as a Cabinet Minister on 24 May 2016. The [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] appointed him the convener (leader) of the [[North-East Democratic Alliance]] (NEDA), a regional sub-group of the federal [[National Democratic Alliance]] (NDA), aimed at increasing the party's political strength in North-East India.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2016-05-24|title=Former Gogoi close aide Himanta Biswa Sarma named convener of NDA's northeast alliance|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-former-gogoi-close-aide-himanta-biswa-sarma-named-convener-of-nda-s-northeast-alliance-2216129|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-21|website=DNA India|language=en}}</ref> He is often called 'Mama' (meaning maternal uncle) by voters in Assam.<ref name=":2" />
Sarma studied at [[Cotton College]] and later obtained a bachelor of laws from  Government Law College in [[Guwahati]]. He later became a solicitor and practised law at [[Gauhati High Court]] before his entry to politics.
 
Sarma was the Congress candidate for [[Jalukbari (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Jalukbari]] in 2001 and he defeated AGP leader [[Bhrigu Phukan]]. He was made a minister of state in the [[First Tarun Gogoi Ministry|First Tarun Gogoi cabinet]] twice. He was inducted into the [[Second Tarun Gogoi Ministry|Second Tarun Gogoi cabinet]] and was upgraded to a cabinet minister. He served in the [[Third Tarun Gogoi Ministry|third cabinet]] before he resigned from congress.
 
Sarma cited mismanagement by [[Rahul Gandhi]] as the reason for his defection from the Indian National Congress party. He led the BJP's successful state election campaign in 2016 and was sworn in as a Cabinet Minister on 24 May 2016. The [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] appointed him the convener (leader) of the [[North-East Democratic Alliance]] (NEDA), a regional sub-group of the federal [[National Democratic Alliance]] (NDA), aimed at increasing the party's political strength in North-East India.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=24 May 2016|title=Former Gogoi close aide Himanta Biswa Sarma named convener of NDA's northeast alliance|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-former-gogoi-close-aide-himanta-biswa-sarma-named-convener-of-nda-s-northeast-alliance-2216129|url-status=live|access-date=21 September 2021|website=DNA India|language=en}}</ref> He was sworn in as Chief Minister of Assam on 10 May 2021, succeeding [[Sarbananda Sonowal]]. He is often called 'Mama' (meaning maternal uncle) by voters in Assam.<ref name=":2" />


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Sarma was born on 1 February 1969 in Gandhi Basti, [[Ulubari]], Guwahati.<ref name="MLAProfile">{{cite web|title=Who's Who|url=http://www.assamassembly.gov.in/himanta-biswa-sarma.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915202133/http://www.assamassembly.gov.in/himanta-biswa-sarma.html|archive-date=15 September 2021|access-date=22 January 2020|website=www.assamassembly.gov.in|publisher=Assam Legislative Assembly}}</ref> He belongs to a [[Assamese Brahmins|Assamese Bamun]] family which traces its origins to Latima in [[Nalbari district]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pisharoty|first=Sangeeta Barooah|date=9 May 2021|title=Assam Has a New CM – Himanta Biswa Sarma. What Does It Spell For the Future of Assam Politics?|url=https://thewire.in/politics/assam-has-a-new-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma-what-does-it-spell-for-the-future-of-assam-politics|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=The Wire}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=May 10, 2021|title=BJP's Troubleshooter, NE's Most Influential Politician Himanta Biswa Sarma to Take Oath as Assam CM Today|work=india.com|editor-last=Seal|editor-first=Rajashree|url=https://www.india.com/news/india/bjps-troubleshooter-nes-most-influential-politician-himanta-biswa-sarma-to-take-oath-as-assam-cm-today-4652241/|access-date=June 26, 2021}}</ref> Sarma married Riniki Bhuyan Sarma in 2001, with whom he has a son, Nandil Biswa Sarma,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kalita|first=Prabin|date=7 April 2021|title=Assam: Don’t want my son to step into politics, says Himanta Biswa Sarma|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/dont-want-my-son-to-step-into-politics-says-himanta/articleshow/81943496.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-21|website=The Times of India}}</ref> who attended [[The Doon School]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 January 2019|title=Himanta's son Nandil becomes captain of prestigious Doon School|url=https://nenow.in/north-east-news/himantas-son-nandil-becomes-captain-prestigious-doon-school.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-28|website=Northeast Now|language=en-US}}</ref> and a daughter, Sukanya Sarma, who attended [[Mayo College Girls School]].<ref name="MLAProfile"/><ref name="profile">{{cite web|title=Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma|url=http://216.150.25.81/nict11/pdf/profile/himanta_biswa_sarma.pdf|access-date=30 August 2012|publisher=Government of Assam}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} ''(This paragraph was originally referenced to this source, a lot of the content was sourced to this)''</ref>
Sarma was born on 1 February 1969 in [[Jorhat]], [[Assam]], the family later shifted to [[Ulubari]], Gandhibasti in [[Guwahati]].<ref name="Sentinel Himanta Biswa Sarma" /><ref name="profile"/> He belongs to an [[Assamese people|Assamese]] family which traces its origins to Latima in [[Nalbari district]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Pisharoty|first=Sangeeta Barooah|date=9 May 2021|title=Assam Has a New CM – Himanta Biswa Sarma. What Does It Spell For the Future of Assam Politics?|url=https://thewire.in/politics/assam-has-a-new-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma-what-does-it-spell-for-the-future-of-assam-politics|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2021|work=The Wire}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=10 May 2021|title=BJP's Troubleshooter, NE's Most Influential Politician Himanta Biswa Sarma to Take Oath as Assam CM Today|work=india.com|editor-last=Seal|editor-first=Rajashree|url=https://www.india.com/news/india/bjps-troubleshooter-nes-most-influential-politician-himanta-biswa-sarma-to-take-oath-as-assam-cm-today-4652241/|access-date=26 June 2021}}</ref> Sarma married Riniki Bhuyan Sarma in 2001, with whom he has a son, Nandil Biswa Sarma,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kalita|first=Prabin|date=7 April 2021|title=Assam: Don't want my son to step into politics, says Himanta Biswa Sarma|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/dont-want-my-son-to-step-into-politics-says-himanta/articleshow/81943496.cms|url-status=live|access-date=21 September 2021|website=The Times of India}}</ref> who attended [[The Doon School]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 January 2019|title=Himanta's son Nandil becomes captain of prestigious Doon School|url=https://nenow.in/north-east-news/himantas-son-nandil-becomes-captain-prestigious-doon-school.html|url-status=live|access-date=28 August 2021|website=Northeast Now|language=en-US}}</ref> and a daughter, Sukanya Sarma, who attended [[Mayo College Girls School]].<ref name="MLAProfile">{{cite web|title=Who's Who|url=http://www.assamassembly.gov.in/himanta-biswa-sarma.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915202133/http://www.assamassembly.gov.in/himanta-biswa-sarma.html|archive-date=15 September 2021|access-date=22 January 2020|website=www.assamassembly.gov.in|publisher=Assam Legislative Assembly}}</ref><ref name="profile">{{cite web|title=Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma|url=http://216.150.25.81/nict11/pdf/profile/himanta_biswa_sarma.pdf|access-date=30 August 2012|publisher=Government of Assam}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} ''(This paragraph was originally referenced to this source, a lot of the content was sourced to this)''</ref>


Sarma was educated at Kamrup Academy School, Guwahati in 1985 and joined [[Cotton College, Guwahati]] (now known as Cotton University) for his undergraduate education.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2016-05-19|title=Assam election results 2016: Meet Himanta Biswa Sarma, ex-Congress minister, the man behind BJP’s historic victory|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/assam-election-results-2016-meet-himanta-biswa-sarma-ex-congress-minister-the-man-behind-bjps-historic-victory/259468/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=The Financial Express}}</ref> He was elected the General Secretary of [[Cotton University|Cotton College Students Union]], serving from 1991 to 1992.<ref>{{Cite web|date=11 May 2021|title=Proud moment for Cotton University as Himanta Sarma becomes the institute's seventh alumnus to don Assam CM's hat|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/may/11/proud-moment-for-cotton-university-as-himanta-sarma-becomes-the-institutes-seventhalumnus-to-don-a-2301150.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Sarma is the seventh chief minister of Assam from Cotton University.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kalita|first=Kangkan|date=10 May 2021|title=As news breaks, Cotton Univ celebrates its 'very own CM'|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/as-news-breaks-cotton-univ-celebrates-its-very-own-cm/articleshow/82514676.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=10 May 2021|title=Assam's Cotton University: Institute that gave state 7 of 15 its chief ministers|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/guwahati/story/assam-s-cotton-university-institute-which-gave-state-7-of-15-chief-ministers-1800733-2021-05-10|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=India Today}}</ref>
Sarma was educated at Kamrup Academy School, Guwahati in 1985 and joined [[Cotton College, Guwahati]] (now known as Cotton University) for his undergraduate education.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=19 May 2016|title=Assam election results 2016: Meet Himanta Biswa Sarma, ex-Congress minister, the man behind BJP's historic victory|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/assam-election-results-2016-meet-himanta-biswa-sarma-ex-congress-minister-the-man-behind-bjps-historic-victory/259468/|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2021|website=The Financial Express}}</ref> He was elected the General Secretary of [[Cotton University|Cotton College Students Union]], serving from 1991 to 1992.<ref>{{Cite web|date=11 May 2021|title=Proud moment for Cotton University as Himanta Sarma becomes the institute's seventh alumnus to don Assam CM's hat|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/may/11/proud-moment-for-cotton-university-as-himanta-sarma-becomes-the-institutes-seventhalumnus-to-don-a-2301150.html|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2021|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Sarma is the seventh chief minister of Assam from Cotton University.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kalita|first=Kangkan|date=10 May 2021|title=As news breaks, Cotton Univ celebrates its 'very own CM'|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/as-news-breaks-cotton-univ-celebrates-its-very-own-cm/articleshow/82514676.cms|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2021|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=10 May 2021|title=Assam's Cotton University: Institute that gave state 7 of 15 its chief ministers|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/guwahati/story/assam-s-cotton-university-institute-which-gave-state-7-of-15-chief-ministers-1800733-2021-05-10|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2021|website=India Today}}</ref>


He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in 1990 and Master of Arts in 1992, both in [[political science]], from the University.<ref name=":0" /> Thereafter, Sarma obtained a [[Bachelor of Laws]] from Government Law College, Guwahati, and became a solicitor in 1995. He practised law at the [[Gauhati High Court]] from 1996 to 2001. In 2006, he completed a [[Doctorate of Philosophy]] in political science from [[Gauhati University]], defending his dissertation shortly before he was elected to public office.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="profile" /><ref>[http://ceoassam.nic.in/assembly/pdf/2011/affidavits/51/1-Himanta%20Biswa%20Sarma.pdf Affidavit]. pg 7. ''Chief Election Officer, Assam''. Retrieved on 22 September 2021.</ref>
He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in 1990 and Master of Arts in 1992, both in [[political science]], from the University.<ref name=":0" /> Thereafter, Sarma obtained a [[Bachelor of Laws]] from Government Law College, Guwahati, and became a solicitor in 1995. He practised law at the [[Gauhati High Court]] from 1996 to 2001. In 2006, he completed a [[Doctorate of Philosophy]] in political science from [[Gauhati University]], defending his dissertation shortly before he was elected to public office.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="profile" /><ref>[http://ceoassam.nic.in/assembly/pdf/2011/affidavits/51/1-Himanta%20Biswa%20Sarma.pdf Affidavit]. pg 7. ''Chief Election Officer, Assam''. Retrieved on 22 September 2021.</ref>
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==Political career==
==Political career==
=== Indian National Congress ===
=== Indian National Congress ===
Sarma was elected to the [[Assam Legislative Assembly]] from [[Jalukbari (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Jalukbari]] for the first time in 2001 when he defeated [[Asom Gana Parishad]] leader [[Bhrigu Kumar Phukan]]. He was re-elected in 2006, then in 2011 for a third consecutive term with a 78,000 vote margin.<ref name="NDTV2015" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Choudhury|first=Ratnadip|date=9 May 2021|title=From Student Body To Assam Chief Minister: Long Journey For Himanta Biswa Sarma|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/from-student-body-to-assam-chief-minister-long-journey-for-himanta-biswa-sarma-2438262|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=NDTV}}</ref> Sarma held important portfolios (both state and cabinet) as Minister of State for Agriculture, Planning and Development, Finance, Health, Education, and [[Assam Accord]] Implementation from 2002 to 2014.<ref name="NDTV2015">{{cite news |last1=IANS |title=Former Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Quits Assembly |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/former-assam-minister-himanta-biswa-sarma-quits-assembly-1217926 |access-date=31 March 2021 |work=NDTV |date=15 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Himanta Biswa Sarma|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/topic/himanta-biswa-sarma|access-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909112229/https://www.business-standard.com/topic/himanta-biswa-sarma|archive-date=9 September 2021}}</ref>
[[File:The Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Kapil Sibal releasing a report on Seismic Microzonation of Guwahati, at Guwahati on January 18, 2008.jpg|thumb|left|Sarma with [[Kapil Sibal]], releasing a report on Seismic Microzonation of [[Guwahati]], on 18 January 2008]]
Sarma was elected to the [[Assam Legislative Assembly]] from [[Jalukbari (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Jalukbari]] for the first time in 2001 when he defeated [[Asom Gana Parishad]] leader [[Bhrigu Kumar Phukan]]. He was re-elected in 2006, then in 2011 for a third consecutive term with a 78,000 vote margin.<ref name="NDTV2015" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Choudhury|first=Ratnadip|date=9 May 2021|title=From Student Body To Assam Chief Minister: Long Journey For Himanta Biswa Sarma|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/from-student-body-to-assam-chief-minister-long-journey-for-himanta-biswa-sarma-2438262|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2021|website=NDTV}}</ref> Sarma held important portfolios (both state and cabinet) as Minister of State for Agriculture, Planning and Development, Finance, Health, Education, and [[Assam Accord]] Implementation from 2002 to 2014.<ref name="NDTV2015">{{cite news |last1=IANS |title=Former Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Quits Assembly |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/former-assam-minister-himanta-biswa-sarma-quits-assembly-1217926 |access-date=31 March 2021 |work=NDTV |date=15 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Himanta Biswa Sarma|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/topic/himanta-biswa-sarma|access-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909112229/https://www.business-standard.com/topic/himanta-biswa-sarma|archive-date=9 September 2021}}</ref>


He was made Cabinet Minister for Health in 2006, and in 2011 he was also entrusted with the additional charge of Education.<ref name="MLAProfile" /> During his tenure, three medical colleges in [[Jorhat]], [[Barpeta]] and [[Tezpur]] were built.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Overview: Brief History of Jorhat Medical College|url=https://jorhatmedicalcollege.in/jmch/index.php/the-college/overview|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408231921/http://jorhatmedicalcollege.in/jmch/index.php/the-college/overview|archive-date=8 April 2019|access-date=2021-09-22|website=jorhatmedicalcollege.in}}</ref> He also initiated work for five more medical colleges in [[Diphu]], [[Nagaon]], [[Dhubri]], [[North Lakhimpur]] and [[Kokrajhar]], which are now in various startup stages.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Haq|first=Zia|date=2021-05-03|title=Assam: The phenomenon called Himanta Biswa Sarma|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/elections/assam-assembly-election/assamthe-phenomenon-called-himanta-biswa-sarma-101620017280296.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
He was made Cabinet Minister for Health in 2006, and in 2011 he was also entrusted with the additional charge of Education.<ref name="MLAProfile" /> During his tenure, three medical colleges in [[Jorhat]], [[Barpeta]] and [[Tezpur]] were built.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Overview: Brief History of Jorhat Medical College|url=https://jorhatmedicalcollege.in/jmch/index.php/the-college/overview|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408231921/http://jorhatmedicalcollege.in/jmch/index.php/the-college/overview|archive-date=8 April 2019|access-date=22 September 2021|website=jorhatmedicalcollege.in}}</ref> He also initiated work for five more medical colleges in [[Diphu]], [[Nagaon]], [[Dhubri]], [[North Lakhimpur]] and [[Kokrajhar]], which are now in various startup stages.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Haq|first=Zia|date=3 May 2021|title=Assam: The phenomenon called Himanta Biswa Sarma|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/elections/assam-assembly-election/assamthe-phenomenon-called-himanta-biswa-sarma-101620017280296.html|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>


=== Bharatiya Janata Party ===
=== Bharatiya Janata Party ===
[[File:Kamakhya Prasad Tasa with Home Minister of India Amit Shah & Chief Minister of Assam Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma.jpg|left|thumb|200x200px|Sarma with [[Amit Shah]] and [[Kamakhya Prasad Tasa]]]]
[[File:Kamakhya Prasad Tasa with Home Minister of India Amit Shah & Chief Minister of Assam Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma.jpg|left|thumb|200x200px|Sarma with [[Amit Shah]] and [[Kamakhya Prasad Tasa]]]]
After political disagreements with the former chief minister [[Tarun Gogoi]], Sarma resigned from all positions on 21 July 2014. He was a Member of the Legislative Assembly of the [[Jalukbari (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Jalukbari]] constituency until his resignation from the Assembly on 15 September 2015.<ref name="profile" /><ref>[http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150916/jsp/frontpage/story_42919.jsp#.VfniZJ1Viko Himanta resigns from MLA post]. ''Telegraph India.'' 15 September 2015. [https://web.archive.org/web/20180801124707/https://www.telegraphindia.com/1150916/jsp/frontpage/story_42919.jsp Archived] on 1 August 2018.</ref> Sarma joined the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] on 23 August 2015 at the residence of [[Amit Shah]] at [[New Delhi]].<ref>{{Cite web|authors=IANS|date=2015-08-23|title=Former Assam minister Himanta Biswa meets Amit Shah, to join BJP|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/former-assam-minister-himanta-biswa-meets-amit-shah-to-join-bjp/story-ieqWZLEc8RL9QqeMC4NPpI.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> He was appointed as the party's Convener of the Election Management Committee for the upcoming Assembly Elections in the state.<ref>{{Cite web|authors=Durba Ghosh. PTI|date=2021-05-09|title=Dogged determination, hard work rewards Himanta Biswa Sarma with the CM's mantle|url=https://www.livemint.com/elections/assembly-elections/dogged-determination-hard-work-rewards-himanta-biswa-sarma-with-the-cm-s-mantle-11620559528405.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=mint|language=en}}</ref> In May 2016, Sarma won the [[Jalukbari (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Jalukbari constituency]] for the fourth consecutive term and was sworn in as Cabinet Minister on 24 May in [[Sonowal ministry]], in the first BJP Government in [[North East India]]. He was allotted portfolios like Finance, Health & Family Welfare, Education, Planning & Development, Tourism, Pension & Public Grievances.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Minister's Portfolio, Parliamentary Affairs, Government Of Assam, India|url=https://parliamentaryaffairs.assam.gov.in/portlets/ministers-portfolio|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209022616/http://parliamentaryaffairs.assam.gov.in/portlets/ministers-portfolio|archive-date=9 December 2017|access-date=2021-09-22|website=parliamentaryaffairs.assam.gov.in}}</ref>
After political disagreements with the former chief minister [[Tarun Gogoi]], Sarma resigned from all positions on 21 July 2014. He was a Member of the Legislative Assembly of the [[Jalukbari (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Jalukbari]] constituency until his resignation from the Assembly on 15 September 2015.<ref name="profile" /><ref>[http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150916/jsp/frontpage/story_42919.jsp#.VfniZJ1Viko Himanta resigns from MLA post]. ''Telegraph India.'' 15 September 2015. [https://web.archive.org/web/20180801124707/https://www.telegraphindia.com/1150916/jsp/frontpage/story_42919.jsp Archived] on 1 August 2018.</ref> Sarma joined the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] on 23 August 2015 at the residence of [[Amit Shah]] at [[New Delhi]].<ref>{{Cite web|authors=IANS|date=23 August 2015|title=Former Assam minister Himanta Biswa meets Amit Shah, to join BJP|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/former-assam-minister-himanta-biswa-meets-amit-shah-to-join-bjp/story-ieqWZLEc8RL9QqeMC4NPpI.html|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2021|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> He was appointed as the party's Convener of the Election Management Committee for the upcoming Assembly Elections in the state.<ref>{{Cite web|authors=Durba Ghosh. PTI|date=9 May 2021|title=Dogged determination, hard work rewards Himanta Biswa Sarma with the CM's mantle|url=https://www.livemint.com/elections/assembly-elections/dogged-determination-hard-work-rewards-himanta-biswa-sarma-with-the-cm-s-mantle-11620559528405.html|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2021|website=mint|language=en}}</ref> In May 2016, Sarma won the [[Jalukbari (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Jalukbari constituency]] for the fourth consecutive term and was sworn in as Cabinet Minister on 24 May in [[Sonowal ministry]], in the first BJP Government in [[North East India]]. He was allotted portfolios like Finance, Health & Family Welfare, Education, Planning & Development, Tourism, Pension & Public Grievances.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Minister's Portfolio, Parliamentary Affairs, Government Of Assam, India|url=https://parliamentaryaffairs.assam.gov.in/portlets/ministers-portfolio|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209022616/http://parliamentaryaffairs.assam.gov.in/portlets/ministers-portfolio|archive-date=9 December 2017|access-date=22 September 2021|website=parliamentaryaffairs.assam.gov.in}}</ref>
 
== Sports administrator==
On 23 April 2017, Sarma was unanimously elected as President of [[Badminton Association of India]]. Sarma has been the president of the Assam Badminton Association. He also became the president of the [[Assam Cricket Association]] in June 2016 when his party man Pradip Buragohain became the secretary. Sarma was also the longest-serving vice president of the association serving from 2002 to 2016.<ref>[http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=jun1316/sports054 Himanta Biswa Sarma becomes ACA chief]. ''Assam Tribune'' (13 June 2016). Retrieved on 31 August 2017. [https://web.archive.org/web/20180801064043/http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=jun1316/sports054 Archived] on 1 August 2018.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|authors=PTI|date=11 June 2016|title=Himanta Biswa Sarma Set To Become New Assam Cricket Association Chief|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/himanta-biswa-sarma-set-to-become-new-assam-cricket-association-chief-1417278|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2021|website=NDTV}}</ref>
 
25 March 2022, Sarma was re-elected as the president of [[Badminton Association of India]] for a second term of four years from 2022 to 2026 in general body meeting in Guwahati.<ref>{{cite news |last1=ANI |title=Himanta Biswa Sarma re-elected unopposed as BAI president |url=https://theprint.in/sport/himanta-biswa-sarma-re-elected-unopposed-as-bai-president/888807/ |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=ThePrint |date=25 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Himanta Biswa Sarma re-elected as BAI president, Gopichand named among vice presidents |url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/badminton/himanta-biswa-sarma-re-elected-bai-president-gopichand-named-among-vice-presidents-badminton-news/article38461848.ece |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=Sportstar |date=25 March 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
 
==Chief Minister of Assam==
==Chief Minister of Assam==


{{main|Himanta Biswa Sarma ministry}}
{{main|Himanta Biswa Sarma ministry}}


On 10 May 2021, Sarma was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Assam, succeeding his colleague [[Sarbananda Sonowal]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=Vibha|date=9 May 2021|title=Himanta Biswa Sarma is new chief minister of Assam|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/sonowal-tenders-resignation-prior-to-election-of-new-assam-cm-250327|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=Tribune India}}</ref>
=== Appointment ===
On 8 May 2021, Sarma along with Chief Minister [[Sarbananda Sonowal]] were summoned to [[New Delhi]], for discussions on the formation of a new government. Sarma and Sonowal held a series of meetings lasting more than 4 hours with [[List of presidents of the Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP President]] [[J. P. Nadda|J P Nadda]] and [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)|Home Minister]] [[Amit Shah]]. On 9 May Sonowal tendered his resignation to [[List of governors of Assam|Governor]] [[Jagdish Mukhi|Jagadish Mukhi]], ahead of a meeting the same day to decide the next Chief Minister.<ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=9 May 2021 |title=Sonowal resigns as CM before BJP MLAs meet to elect new leader |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/sonowal-resigns-as-cm-before-bjp-mlas-meet-to-elect-new-leader-121050900284_1.html |work=Business Standard India |access-date=8 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=9 May 2021 |title=Sarbananda Sonowal tenders resignation, prior to election of new Assam CM |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sarbananda-sonowal-tenders-resignation-prior-to-election-of-new-assam-cm/articleshow/82494934.cms |access-date=8 May 2022 |work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 May 2021 |title=Sarbananda Sonowal resigns as chief minister; Assam BJP MLAs’ meet today |url=https://nenow.in/north-east-news/assam/sarbananda-sonowal-resigns-as-chief-minister-assam-bjp-mlas-meet-today.html |access-date=8 May 2022 |work=Northeast Now}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Parashar |first=Shipra |date=9 May 2021 |title=Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal submits his resignation to Governor |url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/assam-cm-sarbananda-sonowal-submits-his-resignation-to-governor-2360742.html |access-date=8 May 2022 |work=Zee News}}</ref> Sarma’s name was proposed by the outgoing Sonowal, BJP state president [[Ranjeet Kumar Dass]] and newly elected MLA [[Nandita Garlosa]]. As no other name was presented to be chief minister, Sarma was unanimously elected as the BJP legislature leader.<ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=9 May 2021 |title=Himanta Biswa Sarma set to become chief minister of Assam |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/assembly-elections/assam/himanta-biswa-sarma-set-to-become-chief-minister-of-assam/articleshow/82495260.cms |work=The Economic Times |access-date=8 May 2022}}</ref>


Sarma urged Muslims to adopt "decent family planning" in June 2021. He also stressed the need for a new law against illegal cattle smuggling in Assam. <ref>{{cite web |title=Adopt 'decent family planning' policy to reduce poverty: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma tells Muslims |url=https://scroll.in/latest/997194/adopt-decent-family-planning-policy-to-reduce-poverty-assam-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma-tells-muslims |website=Scroll.in |publisher=Scroll |access-date=1 July 2021}}</ref> Mission Basundhara was launched under Sarma in 2021; it aims at helping residents with issues related to land and property.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Parashar|first=Utpal|date=2021-09-21|title=Assam Police arrest 450 land brokers in crackdown against ‘Dalal Raj’|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/assam-police-arrest-450-land-brokers-in-crackdown-against-dalal-raj-101632216371812.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-21|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
On 10 May 2021, Sarma was sworn in as the 15th Chief Minister of Assam by Governor [[Jagdish Mukhi|Jagadish Mukhi]], succeeding [[Sarbananda Sonowal|Sonowal]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Vibha |date=9 May 2021 |title=Himanta Biswa Sarma is new chief minister of Assam |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/sonowal-tenders-resignation-prior-to-election-of-new-assam-cm-250327 |url-status=live |access-date=22 September 2021 |website=Tribune India}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=10 May 2021 |title=Himanta Biswa Sarma sworn-in as 15th chief minister of Assam |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/himanta-biswa-sarma-neda-convenor-sworn-in-as-15th-chief-minister-of-assam/articleshow/82516855.cms |access-date=8 May 2022 |work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=10 May 2021 |title=Himanta Biswa Sarma sworn in as Assam CM |url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/assam-assembly/himanta-biswa-sarma-sworn-in-as-assam-cm/article34525379.ece |work=The Hindu |access-date=8 May 2022 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=ANI |date=10 May 2021 |title=Himanta Biswa Sarma sworn in as Chief Minister of Assam |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/himanta-biswa-sarma-sworn-in-as-chief-minister-of-assam-121051000395_1.html |work=Business Standard India |access-date=8 May 2022}}</ref> He was congratulated by [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] on his appointment.<ref name=":1" />
===Boundary dispute with Mizoram===
 
=== Tenure ===
Sarma urged Muslims to adopt "decent family planning" in June 2021. He also stressed the need for a new law against illegal cattle smuggling in Assam.<ref>{{cite web |title=Adopt 'decent family planning' policy to reduce poverty: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma tells Muslims |url=https://scroll.in/latest/997194/adopt-decent-family-planning-policy-to-reduce-poverty-assam-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma-tells-muslims |website=Scroll.in |publisher=Scroll |access-date=1 July 2021}}</ref> Mission Basundhara was launched under Sarma in 2021; it aims at helping residents with issues related to land and property.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Parashar|first=Utpal|date=21 September 2021|title=Assam Police arrest 450 land brokers in crackdown against 'Dalal Raj'|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/assam-police-arrest-450-land-brokers-in-crackdown-against-dalal-raj-101632216371812.html|url-status=live|access-date=21 September 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> Assam government under his leadership has announced decision of converting 740 madrasas funded by state to normal schools.<ref>{{cite news |title=Assam: Bill to end practice of running madrassa by state govt tabled in Assembly; Congress, AIUDF oppose |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/assam/article/assam-govt-run-madrassas-to-shut-soon-bill-to-repeal-madrassa-education-act-to-be-introduced-today/699848 |access-date=17 February 2022 |work=Times Now |date=28 December 2020}}</ref>
 
==== Boundary dispute with Mizoram ====
{{See also|Northeast India border disputes}}
{{See also|Northeast India border disputes}}


On 26 July 2021 [[Assam Police]] and [[Mizoram Police]] ([[Mizoram]] is a sister state of Assam on its southern boundary) fired upon each other supposedly part of the decades old [[Assam-Mizoram border dispute]]. Assam lost six police personnel and a civilian in the firefight, while one youth from Mizoram suffered a gunshot wound. Both sides charged each other with opening fire first.
On 26 July 2021 [[Assam Police]] and [[Mizoram Police]] ([[Mizoram]] is a sister state of Assam on its southern boundary) fired upon each other supposedly part of the decades old [[Assam-Mizoram border dispute]]. Assam lost six police personnel and a civilian in the firefight, while one youth from Mizoram suffered a gunshot wound. Both sides charged each other with opening fire first.


Reports from news media indicate that on 24 July 2021, Himanta Biswa Sarma and [[Zoramthanga]] had a one-to-one talk about the boundary dispute where both agreed to settle the matter amicably through talks. Before this could take place, and only two days after the two Chief Ministers held their talks, this incident took place.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Saikia|first=Arunabh|date=28 July 2021|title=Does Assam CM’s belligerence over border dispute mark turn from coalition builder to regional bully?|url=https://scroll.in/article/1001283/does-assam-cms-belligerence-over-border-dispute-mark-turn-from-coalition-builder-to-regional-bully|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}}</ref>
Reports from news media indicate that on 24 July 2021, Himanta Biswa Sarma and [[Zoramthanga]] had a one-to-one talk about the boundary dispute where both agreed to settle the matter amicably through talks. Before this could take place, and only two days after the two Chief Ministers held their talks, this incident took place.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Saikia|first=Arunabh|date=28 July 2021|title=Does Assam CM's belligerence over border dispute mark turn from coalition builder to regional bully?|url=https://scroll.in/article/1001283/does-assam-cms-belligerence-over-border-dispute-mark-turn-from-coalition-builder-to-regional-bully|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2021|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
Days after skirmish which left dozens of others injured, the Assam government on 29 July 2021 issued a travel advisory, asking people of the state not to travel to [[Mizoram]] - the first such travel advisory by a state in the independent India.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mazumdar|first=Prasanta|date=30 July 2021|title=Do not visit Mizoram: Assam travel advisory for its people|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/jul/30/do-not-visit-mizoram-assam-travel-advisory-for-its-people-2337392.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Himanta retracted from this advisory a day later.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 July 2021|title=No curbs on travel to Mizoram, says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/jul/30/no-curbs-on-travel-to-mizoram-saysassam-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma-2337810.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Further, Assam's Home and Political Department said on 29th July that the police should carry out an intensive drive against drugs and check "all vehicles entering into Assam from Mizoram".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bhardwaj|first=Ananya|date=31 July 2021|title=Mizoram says Assam govt order on checking of vehicles for drugs ‘harassment’, writes to MHA|work=ThePrint|url=https://theprint.in/india/mizoram-says-assam-govt-order-on-checking-of-vehicles-for-drugs-harassment-writes-to-mha/706891/|access-date=22 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Singh|first=Abhilash|date=2021-07-30|title=Mizoram Govt condemns Assam’s order to check all vehicles from Mizoram|url=http://www.eastmojo.com/mizoram/2021/07/31/mizoram-govt-condemns-assams-order-to-check-all-vehicles-from-mizoram/|access-date=2021-09-22|website=EastMojo|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
== Sports administrator==
On 23 April 2017, Sarma was unanimously elected as President of [[Badminton Association of India]]. Sarma has been the president of the Assam Badminton Association. He also became the president of the [[Assam Cricket Association]] in June 2016 when his party man Pradip Buragohain became the secretary. Sarma was also the longest-serving vice president of the association serving from 2002 to 2016.<ref>[http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=jun1316/sports054 Himanta Biswa Sarma becomes ACA chief]. ''Assam Tribune'' (13 June 2016). Retrieved on 31 August 2017. [https://web.archive.org/web/20180801064043/http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=jun1316/sports054 Archived] on 1 August 2018.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|authors=PTI|date=11 June 2016|title=Himanta Biswa Sarma Set To Become New Assam Cricket Association Chief|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/himanta-biswa-sarma-set-to-become-new-assam-cricket-association-chief-1417278|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=NDTV}}</ref>
==Controversies==
[[File:Kamakhya Prasad Tasa with Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma (cropped).jpg|left|thumb|192x192px|Sarma in 2021]]
 
=== Controversial statements ===
In November 2020, Biswa posted on social media, claiming that supporters of [[AIUDF]] politician [[Badruddin Ajmal]] had shouted slogans in support of [[Pakistan]] to greet him, on his arrival at [[Silchar Airport|Silchar airport]]. Biswa's claim was reiterated by an Assamese news channel, News Live, which is owned by Biswa's wife, and then also confirmed by several news channels and newspapers, including [[Times Now]], [[CNN-News18|CNN News18]], and ''[[The New Indian Express]].'' Biswa's posts were flagged by [[Facebook]] as misinformation and blocked from being shared, after independent third-party fact-checkers examined videos of the event, and demonstrated that the slogans shouted had consisted of the names of political leaders and not in support of Pakistan. Guwahati Police have since registered a [[First Information Report]] and opened a case.<ref>{{cite news|date=10 November 2020|title=Himanta Biswa Sarma booked for false claim on social media: Police|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/assam/himanta-biswa-sarma-booked-for-false-claim-on-social-media-police-7046483/|access-date=12 November 2020|work=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Case Registered Against Himanta Biswa Sarma For False Claim On Social Media: Police|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/case-registered-against-assam-minister-himanta-biswa-sarma-for-false-claim-on-social-media-police-2323551|access-date=12 November 2020|work=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=6 November 2020|title=BJP's Himanta Biswa, media falsely claim 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans raised by AIUDF supporters|url=http://www.altnews.in/bjps-himanta-biswa-media-falsely-claim-pakistan-zindabad-slogans-raised-by-aiudf-supporters/|access-date=12 November 2020|work=Alt News|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=November 10, 2020|first=Hemanta Kumar|last=Nath|title=Case registered against Assam minister Himanta Biswa for false claim on social media|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/case-registered-against-assam-minister-himanta-biswa-for-false-claim-on-social-media-1739833-2020-11-10|access-date=12 November 2020|work=India Today|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=10 November 2020|title=Senior Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Booked for False Claim on Social Media: Police|url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/senior-assam-minister-himanta-biswa-sarma-booked-for-false-claim-on-social-media-police-3066518.html|access-date=12 November 2020|work=News18|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma booked for false claims on social media, say police|url=https://scroll.in/latest/978191/assam-minister-himanta-biswa-sarma-booked-for-false-claims-on-social-media-say-police|access-date=12 November 2020|work=Scroll.in|language=en-US|date=10 November 2020}}</ref>
 
In April 2021, Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that there is no need to wear masks in the state as there is no more coronavirus, when India was undergoing the second wave of COVID-19.<ref>{{cite web|title='No need for masks, coronavirus is gone in Assam,' says health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy-politics/story/no-need-for-masks-coronavirus-is-gone-in-assam-says-health-minister-himanta-biswa-sarma-292599-2021-04-04|access-date=1 July 2021|website=Business Today|publisher=Business Today}}</ref>


=== Court related ===
Days after skirmish which left dozens of others injured, the Assam government on 29 July 2021 issued a travel advisory, asking people of the state not to travel to [[Mizoram]] - the first such travel advisory by a state in the independent India.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mazumdar|first=Prasanta|date=30 July 2021|title=Do not visit Mizoram: Assam travel advisory for its people|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/jul/30/do-not-visit-mizoram-assam-travel-advisory-for-its-people-2337392.html|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2021|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Himanta retracted from this advisory a day later.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 July 2021|title=No curbs on travel to Mizoram, says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/jul/30/no-curbs-on-travel-to-mizoram-saysassam-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma-2337810.html|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2021|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Further, Assam's Home and Political Department said on 29 July that the police should carry out an intensive drive against drugs and check "all vehicles entering into Assam from Mizoram".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bhardwaj|first=Ananya|date=31 July 2021|title=Mizoram says Assam govt order on checking of vehicles for drugs 'harassment', writes to MHA|work=ThePrint|url=https://theprint.in/india/mizoram-says-assam-govt-order-on-checking-of-vehicles-for-drugs-harassment-writes-to-mha/706891/|access-date=22 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Singh|first=Abhilash|date=30 July 2021|title=Mizoram Govt condemns Assam's order to check all vehicles from Mizoram|url=http://www.eastmojo.com/mizoram/2021/07/31/mizoram-govt-condemns-assams-order-to-check-all-vehicles-from-mizoram/|access-date=22 September 2021|website=EastMojo|language=en-US}}</ref>
Though Sarma was implicated in the Manabendra Sarma case he was acquitted by the court.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kashyap|first=Samudra Gupta|date=12 July 2010|title=RTI activist has ‘proof’ of Assam Health Minister’s ULFA past|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/rti-activist-has--proof--of-assam-health-minister-s-ulfa-past/645184|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=archive.indianexpress.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=28 July 2010|title=Akhil sees Sarma hand in diary theft|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/akhil-sees-sarma-hand-in-diary-theft/articleshow/6225071.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Pisharoty|first=Sangeeta Barooah|date=19 July 2017|title=As Corruption Probe in Assam Slows, Questions Are Raised About Official Intentions|url=https://thewire.in/politics/louis-berger-himanta-biswa-sarma-assam|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=The Wire}}</ref>


A Delhi-based advocate from Assam has lodged a complaint with the [[National Human Rights Commission of India|National Human Rights Commission]] (NHRC) against the [[Assam Police|Assam police]] "on an encounter spree" since Sarma stated in the police conference that police should shoot alleged criminals at legs which are permitted by the law.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Special Correspondence|date=July 11, 2021|title=Assam police on 'encounter spree', NHRC told|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/assam-police-on-encounter-spree-nhrc-told/article35261868.ece|access-date=2021-07-31}}</ref>
== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
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* {{Twitter}}
* {{Twitter}}
* {{Facebook |himantabiswasarma}}
* {{Facebook |himantabiswasarma}}
* {{Cite web|title=(Article title in Assamese)|url=https://dainikjanambhumi.co.in/10052021/details.php?date=14-05-2014&page=1-8&article=5.jpg&cid=28664|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-10|website=[[Dainik Janambhumi]]|language=as}}
* {{Cite web|title=(Article title in Assamese)|url=https://dainikjanambhumi.co.in/10052021/details.php?date=14-05-2014&page=1-8&article=5.jpg&cid=28664|url-status=live|access-date=10 May 2021|website=[[Dainik Janambhumi]]|language=as}}


{{Bharatiya Janata Party}}
{{Bharatiya Janata Party}}

Latest revision as of 17:49, 8 May 2022


Himanta Biswa Sarma
File:Himanta Biswa Sarma,.jpg
Sarma in 2021
15th Chief Minister of Assam
Assumed office
10 May 2021
GovernorJagdish Mukhi
Preceded bySarbananda Sonowal
Minister of the Government of Assam
In office
24 May 2016 – 9 May 2021
Chief MinisterSarbananda Sonowal
MinistryFinance, Planning and Development, Health and Family Welfare, Education, Public Works
In office
2011–2014
Chief MinisterTarun Gogoi
MinistryFinance, Health & Family Welfare, Public Works, Transformation & Development
In office
2006–2011
Chief MinisterTarun Gogoi
MinistryHealth and Family Welfare, Finance, Public Works, Culture
Minister of State of the Government of Assam
In office
1 September 2004 – June 2006
Chief MinisterTarun Gogoi
MinistryFinance, Planning and Development
In office
7 June 2002 – 31 August 2004
Chief MinisterTarun Gogoi
MinistryAgriculture, Planning and Development
Member of the Assam Legislative Assembly
Assumed office
2001
Preceded byBhrigu Kumar Phukan
ConstituencyJalukbari
Personal details
Born (1969-02-01) 1 February 1969 (age 57)
Jorhat, Assam, India
CitizenshipIndia
Political partyBharatiya Janata Party (2015–present)
Other political
affiliations
Indian National Congress (1991–2015)
Spouse(s)
(
m. 2001)
Children2
Alma mater
Signature
WebsiteHimanta Biswa Sarma
Nickname(s)Mama[1]

Himanta Biswa Sarma (born 1 February 1969) is an Indian politician serving as the 15th and incumbent Chief Minister of Assam. A former member of the Indian National Congress political party, Sarma defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party on 23 August 2015.[2] He is a five time Member of the Assam Legislative Assembly from Jalukbari, having first been elected in 2001.[3][4]

Sarma studied at Cotton College and later obtained a bachelor of laws from Government Law College in Guwahati. He later became a solicitor and practised law at Gauhati High Court before his entry to politics.

Sarma was the Congress candidate for Jalukbari in 2001 and he defeated AGP leader Bhrigu Phukan. He was made a minister of state in the First Tarun Gogoi cabinet twice. He was inducted into the Second Tarun Gogoi cabinet and was upgraded to a cabinet minister. He served in the third cabinet before he resigned from congress.

Sarma cited mismanagement by Rahul Gandhi as the reason for his defection from the Indian National Congress party. He led the BJP's successful state election campaign in 2016 and was sworn in as a Cabinet Minister on 24 May 2016. The BJP appointed him the convener (leader) of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), a regional sub-group of the federal National Democratic Alliance (NDA), aimed at increasing the party's political strength in North-East India.[5] He was sworn in as Chief Minister of Assam on 10 May 2021, succeeding Sarbananda Sonowal. He is often called 'Mama' (meaning maternal uncle) by voters in Assam.[1]

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Sarma was born on 1 February 1969 in Jorhat, Assam, the family later shifted to Ulubari, Gandhibasti in Guwahati.[4][6] He belongs to an Assamese family which traces its origins to Latima in Nalbari district.[7][8] Sarma married Riniki Bhuyan Sarma in 2001, with whom he has a son, Nandil Biswa Sarma,[9] who attended The Doon School,[10] and a daughter, Sukanya Sarma, who attended Mayo College Girls School.[11][6]

Sarma was educated at Kamrup Academy School, Guwahati in 1985 and joined Cotton College, Guwahati (now known as Cotton University) for his undergraduate education.[12] He was elected the General Secretary of Cotton College Students Union, serving from 1991 to 1992.[13] Sarma is the seventh chief minister of Assam from Cotton University.[14][15]

He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in 1990 and Master of Arts in 1992, both in political science, from the University.[12] Thereafter, Sarma obtained a Bachelor of Laws from Government Law College, Guwahati, and became a solicitor in 1995. He practised law at the Gauhati High Court from 1996 to 2001. In 2006, he completed a Doctorate of Philosophy in political science from Gauhati University, defending his dissertation shortly before he was elected to public office.[12][6][16]

Political career[edit | edit source]

Indian National Congress[edit | edit source]

Sarma with Kapil Sibal, releasing a report on Seismic Microzonation of Guwahati, on 18 January 2008

Sarma was elected to the Assam Legislative Assembly from Jalukbari for the first time in 2001 when he defeated Asom Gana Parishad leader Bhrigu Kumar Phukan. He was re-elected in 2006, then in 2011 for a third consecutive term with a 78,000 vote margin.[17][18] Sarma held important portfolios (both state and cabinet) as Minister of State for Agriculture, Planning and Development, Finance, Health, Education, and Assam Accord Implementation from 2002 to 2014.[17][19]

He was made Cabinet Minister for Health in 2006, and in 2011 he was also entrusted with the additional charge of Education.[11] During his tenure, three medical colleges in Jorhat, Barpeta and Tezpur were built.[20] He also initiated work for five more medical colleges in Diphu, Nagaon, Dhubri, North Lakhimpur and Kokrajhar, which are now in various startup stages.[21]

Bharatiya Janata Party[edit | edit source]

File:Kamakhya Prasad Tasa with Home Minister of India Amit Shah & Chief Minister of Assam Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma.jpg After political disagreements with the former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, Sarma resigned from all positions on 21 July 2014. He was a Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Jalukbari constituency until his resignation from the Assembly on 15 September 2015.[6][22] Sarma joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on 23 August 2015 at the residence of Amit Shah at New Delhi.[23] He was appointed as the party's Convener of the Election Management Committee for the upcoming Assembly Elections in the state.[24] In May 2016, Sarma won the Jalukbari constituency for the fourth consecutive term and was sworn in as Cabinet Minister on 24 May in Sonowal ministry, in the first BJP Government in North East India. He was allotted portfolios like Finance, Health & Family Welfare, Education, Planning & Development, Tourism, Pension & Public Grievances.[25]

Sports administrator[edit | edit source]

On 23 April 2017, Sarma was unanimously elected as President of Badminton Association of India. Sarma has been the president of the Assam Badminton Association. He also became the president of the Assam Cricket Association in June 2016 when his party man Pradip Buragohain became the secretary. Sarma was also the longest-serving vice president of the association serving from 2002 to 2016.[26][27]

25 March 2022, Sarma was re-elected as the president of Badminton Association of India for a second term of four years from 2022 to 2026 in general body meeting in Guwahati.[28][29]

Chief Minister of Assam[edit | edit source]

Appointment[edit | edit source]

On 8 May 2021, Sarma along with Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal were summoned to New Delhi, for discussions on the formation of a new government. Sarma and Sonowal held a series of meetings lasting more than 4 hours with BJP President J P Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah. On 9 May Sonowal tendered his resignation to Governor Jagadish Mukhi, ahead of a meeting the same day to decide the next Chief Minister.[30][31][32][33] Sarma’s name was proposed by the outgoing Sonowal, BJP state president Ranjeet Kumar Dass and newly elected MLA Nandita Garlosa. As no other name was presented to be chief minister, Sarma was unanimously elected as the BJP legislature leader.[34]

On 10 May 2021, Sarma was sworn in as the 15th Chief Minister of Assam by Governor Jagadish Mukhi, succeeding Sonowal.[35][36][37][38] He was congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his appointment.[36]

Tenure[edit | edit source]

Sarma urged Muslims to adopt "decent family planning" in June 2021. He also stressed the need for a new law against illegal cattle smuggling in Assam.[39] Mission Basundhara was launched under Sarma in 2021; it aims at helping residents with issues related to land and property.[40] Assam government under his leadership has announced decision of converting 740 madrasas funded by state to normal schools.[41]

Boundary dispute with Mizoram[edit | edit source]

On 26 July 2021 Assam Police and Mizoram Police (Mizoram is a sister state of Assam on its southern boundary) fired upon each other supposedly part of the decades old Assam-Mizoram border dispute. Assam lost six police personnel and a civilian in the firefight, while one youth from Mizoram suffered a gunshot wound. Both sides charged each other with opening fire first.

Reports from news media indicate that on 24 July 2021, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Zoramthanga had a one-to-one talk about the boundary dispute where both agreed to settle the matter amicably through talks. Before this could take place, and only two days after the two Chief Ministers held their talks, this incident took place.[42]

Days after skirmish which left dozens of others injured, the Assam government on 29 July 2021 issued a travel advisory, asking people of the state not to travel to Mizoram - the first such travel advisory by a state in the independent India.[43] Himanta retracted from this advisory a day later.[44] Further, Assam's Home and Political Department said on 29 July that the police should carry out an intensive drive against drugs and check "all vehicles entering into Assam from Mizoram".[45][46]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Dipankar Roy (10 May 2021). "Everyone's 'Mama' is Assam's Next CM: Himanta Biswa Sarma's Own Mettle Has Catapulted Him to the Top". News18.
  2. Bhatt, Sheela (15 February 2016). "Himanta Biswa Sarma: In 2016 Assam election, Bangladeshi immigrants want their own CM too". Indian Express.
  3. Ghosh, Abantika (20 May 2016). "I told Rahul Gandhi you will not cross 25 seats, he said we will win: BJP MLA Himanta Biswa Sarma". The Indian Express. Retrieved 21 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. 4.0 4.1 "Himanta Biswa Sarma: Early Life, INC & BJP Political Career, Books, Controversies & more". The Sentinel Assam. 9 May 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. "Former Gogoi close aide Himanta Biswa Sarma named convener of NDA's northeast alliance". DNA India. 24 May 2016. Retrieved 21 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma" (PDF). Government of Assam. Retrieved 30 August 2012.[permanent dead link] (This paragraph was originally referenced to this source, a lot of the content was sourced to this)
  7. Pisharoty, Sangeeta Barooah (9 May 2021). "Assam Has a New CM – Himanta Biswa Sarma. What Does It Spell For the Future of Assam Politics?". The Wire. Retrieved 22 September 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. Seal, Rajashree, ed. (10 May 2021). "BJP's Troubleshooter, NE's Most Influential Politician Himanta Biswa Sarma to Take Oath as Assam CM Today". india.com. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  9. Kalita, Prabin (7 April 2021). "Assam: Don't want my son to step into politics, says Himanta Biswa Sarma". The Times of India. Retrieved 21 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. "Himanta's son Nandil becomes captain of prestigious Doon School". Northeast Now. 24 January 2019. Retrieved 28 August 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. 11.0 11.1 "Who's Who". www.assamassembly.gov.in. Assam Legislative Assembly. Archived from the original on 15 September 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 "Assam election results 2016: Meet Himanta Biswa Sarma, ex-Congress minister, the man behind BJP's historic victory". The Financial Express. 19 May 2016. Retrieved 22 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. "Proud moment for Cotton University as Himanta Sarma becomes the institute's seventh alumnus to don Assam CM's hat". The New Indian Express. 11 May 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  14. Kalita, Kangkan (10 May 2021). "As news breaks, Cotton Univ celebrates its 'very own CM'". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  15. "Assam's Cotton University: Institute that gave state 7 of 15 its chief ministers". India Today. 10 May 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  16. Affidavit. pg 7. Chief Election Officer, Assam. Retrieved on 22 September 2021.
  17. 17.0 17.1 IANS (15 September 2015). "Former Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Quits Assembly". NDTV. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  18. Choudhury, Ratnadip (9 May 2021). "From Student Body To Assam Chief Minister: Long Journey For Himanta Biswa Sarma". NDTV. Retrieved 22 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  19. "Himanta Biswa Sarma". Business Standard India. Archived from the original on 9 September 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  20. "Overview: Brief History of Jorhat Medical College". jorhatmedicalcollege.in. Archived from the original on 8 April 2019. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  21. Haq, Zia (3 May 2021). "Assam: The phenomenon called Himanta Biswa Sarma". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 22 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  22. Himanta resigns from MLA post. Telegraph India. 15 September 2015. Archived on 1 August 2018.
  23. "Former Assam minister Himanta Biswa meets Amit Shah, to join BJP". Hindustan Times. 23 August 2015. Retrieved 22 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  24. "Dogged determination, hard work rewards Himanta Biswa Sarma with the CM's mantle". mint. 9 May 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  25. "Minister's Portfolio, Parliamentary Affairs, Government Of Assam, India". parliamentaryaffairs.assam.gov.in. Archived from the original on 9 December 2017. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  26. Himanta Biswa Sarma becomes ACA chief. Assam Tribune (13 June 2016). Retrieved on 31 August 2017. Archived on 1 August 2018.
  27. "Himanta Biswa Sarma Set To Become New Assam Cricket Association Chief". NDTV. 11 June 2016. Retrieved 22 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  28. ANI (25 March 2022). "Himanta Biswa Sarma re-elected unopposed as BAI president". ThePrint. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  29. "Himanta Biswa Sarma re-elected as BAI president, Gopichand named among vice presidents". Sportstar. 25 March 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  30. PTI (9 May 2021). "Sonowal resigns as CM before BJP MLAs meet to elect new leader". Business Standard India. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  31. PTI (9 May 2021). "Sarbananda Sonowal tenders resignation, prior to election of new Assam CM". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  32. "Sarbananda Sonowal resigns as chief minister; Assam BJP MLAs' meet today". Northeast Now. 9 May 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  33. Parashar, Shipra (9 May 2021). "Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal submits his resignation to Governor". Zee News. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  34. PTI (9 May 2021). "Himanta Biswa Sarma set to become chief minister of Assam". The Economic Times. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  35. Sharma, Vibha (9 May 2021). "Himanta Biswa Sarma is new chief minister of Assam". Tribune India. Retrieved 22 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  36. 36.0 36.1 "Himanta Biswa Sarma sworn-in as 15th chief minister of Assam". The Times of India. 10 May 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  37. "Himanta Biswa Sarma sworn in as Assam CM". The Hindu. 10 May 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  38. ANI (10 May 2021). "Himanta Biswa Sarma sworn in as Chief Minister of Assam". Business Standard India. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  39. "Adopt 'decent family planning' policy to reduce poverty: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma tells Muslims". Scroll.in. Scroll. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  40. Parashar, Utpal (21 September 2021). "Assam Police arrest 450 land brokers in crackdown against 'Dalal Raj'". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 21 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  41. "Assam: Bill to end practice of running madrassa by state govt tabled in Assembly; Congress, AIUDF oppose". Times Now. 28 December 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  42. Saikia, Arunabh (28 July 2021). "Does Assam CM's belligerence over border dispute mark turn from coalition builder to regional bully?". Scroll.in. Retrieved 22 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  43. Mazumdar, Prasanta (30 July 2021). "Do not visit Mizoram: Assam travel advisory for its people". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 22 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  44. "No curbs on travel to Mizoram, says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma". The New Indian Express. 30 July 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  45. Bhardwaj, Ananya (31 July 2021). "Mizoram says Assam govt order on checking of vehicles for drugs 'harassment', writes to MHA". ThePrint. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  46. Singh, Abhilash (30 July 2021). "Mizoram Govt condemns Assam's order to check all vehicles from Mizoram". EastMojo. Retrieved 22 September 2021.

External links[edit | edit source]