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Himanta Biswa Sarma

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Himanta Biswa Sarma (born 1 February 1969) is an Indian politician and lawyer serving as the 15th and current Chief Minister of Assam since 2021. A former member of the Indian National Congress, Sarma joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on 23 August 2015 and soon was made convenor of NEDA.[1] He is a five time Member of the Assam Legislative Assembly from Jalukbari, having been elected since 2001.[2][3]

Himanta Biswa Sarma
Sarma in 2024
15th Chief Minister of Assam
Incumbent
Assumed office
10 May 2021
GovernorLakshaman Acharya
Gulab Chand Kataria
Jagdish 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, Government of Assam
In office
2011–2014
Chief MinisterTarun Gogoi
MinistryFinance, Health & Family Welfare, Public Works, Transformation & Development, Government of Assam
In office
2006–2011
Chief MinisterTarun Gogoi
MinistryHealth and Family Welfare, Finance, Public Works, Culture, Government of Assam
Minister of State of the Government of Assam
In office
1 September 2004 – June 2006
Chief MinisterTarun Gogoi
MinistryFinance, Planning and Development, Government of Assam
In office
7 June 2002 – 31 August 2004
Chief MinisterTarun Gogoi
MinistryAgriculture, Planning and Development, Government of Assam
Member of the Assam Legislative Assembly
Incumbent
Assumed office
2001
Preceded byBhrigu Kumar Phukan
ConstituencyJalukbari
Founder-Convener of the NEDA
Incumbent
Assumed office
2016
ChairpersonAmit Shah
J. P. Nadda
Preceded byPosition established
Leader of the House, Assam Legislative Assembly
Incumbent
Assumed office
10 May 2021
GovernorGulab Chand Kataria
Jagdish Mukhi
Chief MinisterHimself
Preceded bySarbananda Sonowal
Personal details
Born (1969-02-01) 1 February 1969 (age 55)
Jorhat, Assam, India
Political partyBharatiya Janata Party (2015–present)
Other political
affiliations		Indian National Congress (1991–2015)
Spouse
​
​
(m. 2001)​
Children2
Alma mater
Profession
  • Lawyer
  • politician
Signature
Websitewww.himantabiswasarma.com
NicknameHimanta Mama

Early life and education

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Sarma was born on 1 February 1969 in Jorhat, Assam, the family, including six siblings, later shifted to Ulubari, Gandhibasti in Guwahati.[3][4] He belongs to an Assamese family which traces its origins to Latima in Nalbari district.[5][6] Sarma married Riniki Bhuyan Sarma in 2001, with whom he has a son, Nandil Biswa Sarma,[7] who attended The Doon School,[8] and a daughter, Sukanya Sarma, who attended Mayo College Girls School.[9][4]

Sarma was educated at Kamrup Academy School, Guwahati in 1985 and joined Cotton College, Guwahati (now known as Cotton University) for his undergraduate education.[10] He was elected the General Secretary of Cotton College Students Union, three times in 1988-89, 1989–90, and 1991-1992.[11] Sarma is the seventh chief minister of Assam from Cotton University.[12][13]

He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in 1990 and Master of Arts in 1992, both in political science, from the university.[10] 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 on the topic North Eastern Council:A structural and functional analysis, defending his dissertation shortly before he was elected to public office.[10][4][14]

Political career

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Indian National Congress

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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.[15][16] 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.[15][17]

He was made Cabinet Minister for Health in 2006, and in 2011 he was also entrusted with the additional charge of Education.[9] During his tenure, three medical colleges in Jorhat, Barpeta and Tezpur were built.[18] He also initiated work for five more medical colleges in Diphu, Nagaon, Dhubri, North Lakhimpur and Kokrajhar, which are now in various startup stages.[19]

Bharatiya Janata Party

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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.[4][20] Sarma joined Bharatiya Janata Party on 23 August 2015 at the residence of Amit Shah at New Delhi.[21] He was appointed the party's Convener of the Election Management Committee for the upcoming Assembly Elections in the state.[22] 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.[23]

Sports administrator

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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.[24][25]

On 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.[26][27]

Chief Minister of Assam

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Main article: Himanta Biswa Sarma ministry

Appointment

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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.[28][29][30][31] 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.[32]

On 10 May 2021, Sarma was sworn in as the 15th Chief Minister of Assam by Governor Jagadish Mukhi, succeeding Sonowal.[33][34][35][36] He was congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his appointment.[34]

Tenure

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Sarma urged the Muslim community to adopt decent family planning in June 2021. He also stressed the need for a new law against illegal cattle smuggling in Assam.[37] Mission Basundhara was launched under Sarma in 2021; it aims at helping residents with issues related to land and property.[38] Assam government under his leadership has announced decision of converting 740 Muslim madrasas funded by state to normal schools.[39]

His tenure experienced a rise in extrajudicial killings, which he has openly supported.[40][41][42] His government has demolished many[quantify] Islamic madrasas in the state, alleging its association with terrorist groups and organisations.[43]

Boundary dispute with Mizoram

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See also: Northeast India border disputes

On 26 July 2021 Assam Police and Mizoram Police (Mizoram is an adjacent state to 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.[44]

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 ever, by a state in the independent India.[45] Himanta retracted from this advisory a day later.[46] 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.[47]

Controversy

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In November 2020, Biswa posted on social media, claiming that supporters of AIUDF Chief and Dhubri MP, Badruddin Ajmal had shouted slogans in support of Pakistan to greet him, on his arrival at 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, 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.[48][49][50][51][52][53][excessive citations]

In April 2021, Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that there is no need to wear masks in the state as there is no more coronavirus present in Assam when India was undergoing the second wave of COVID-19.[54]

On 11 February 2022 while addressing a rally at Uttarakhand, Sarma said to Rahul Gandhi, "Did we ever ask you for proof of whether you are Rajiv Gandhi's son or not?"[55] His statements were criticised by then Chief Minister of Telangana, KCR for using derogatory language against a Member of Parliament and said these derogatory language should not be used by a chief minister of a state.[56] TPCC president Revanth Reddy filed a complain at Jubilee Hills police station of Hyderabad. A case has been registered under sections 504 and 505 (2) of the Indian Penal Code against Himanta Biswa Sarma. Reddy said, "Himanta Biswa Sarma's remarks are humiliating for a woman" and asked "Why did the Chief Electoral Officer of the National Election Commission not order the arrest of Himanta Biswa Sharma?". "BJP should remove Himanta Biswa from the post of Chief Minister. But the BJP is supporting the remarks of the Assam Chief Minister."[57] On 19 September 2023, Uttarakhand High Court summoned Sarma for his remarks.[58]

Though Sarma was implicated in the Manabendra Sarma case he was acquitted by the court.[59][60][61] A Delhi-based advocate from Assam has lodged a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) against the 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.[62]

During Prime Minister Modi's visit to the United States in June 2023, former President Obama made comments about Muslims in India. In response, Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed with Islamophobic slur that there are many "Hussain Obama in India" (in reference to Obama's full name, Barack Hussein Obama II) and his priority will be in dealing with them.[63] This triggered extensive discussions in India and abroad.[64]

In July 2023, an Independent Rajya Sabha member filed a police complaint against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of delivering a "hate speech" against the 'Miya' community (Bengali-Muslim Community) who often are targets of communal attacks. Sarma had commented on high vegetable prices, stating that Miya vendors charge more in Guwahati compared to Assamese vendors. He emphasised clearing footpaths and urged Assamese people to initiate businesses. The remarks sparked controversy and led to a formal complaint against the Chief Minister.[65][66]

On 19 September, while addressing a rally in Madhya Pradesh, Sarma told Kamal Nath to burn 10, Janpath (residence of Sonia Gandhi) to prove his Hindu Identity.[67] Few days later, Leader of Opposition, Assam, Debabrata Saikia filled FIR on Sarma for hate speech.[68]

Awards

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In September 2023, the Singapore government awarded Himanta Biswa Sarma the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship for his distinguished contribution to public service.[69]

References

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  1. ^ Bhatt, Sheela (15 February 2016). "Himanta Biswa Sarma: In 2016 Assam election, Bangladeshi immigrants want their own CM too". Indian Express.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ a b "Himanta Biswa Sarma: Early Life, INC & BJP Political Career, Books, Controversies & more". The Sentinel Assam. 9 May 2021. Archived from the original on 15 September 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d "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)
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ 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.
  8. ^ "Himanta's son Nandil becomes captain of prestigious Doon School". Northeast Now. 24 January 2019. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  9. ^ a b "Who's Who". www.assamassembly.gov.in. Assam Legislative Assembly. Archived from the original on 15 September 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
  10. ^ a b c "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.
  11. ^ Kalita, Kangkan (10 May 2021). "Himanta Biswa Sarma to swear in today; Cotton University celebrates its 'very own CM'". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  12. ^ Kalita, Kangkan (10 May 2021). "As news breaks, Cotton Univ celebrates its 'very own CM'". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  13. ^ "Assam's Cotton University: Institute that gave state 7 of 15 its chief ministers". India Today. 10 May 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  14. ^ "Affidavit - Himanta Biswa Sarma" (PDF). Chief Election Officer, Assam'. p. 7. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  15. ^ a b IANS (15 September 2015). "Former Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Quits Assembly". NDTV. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  16. ^ Choudhury, Ratnadip (9 May 2021). "From Student Body To Assam Chief Minister: Long Journey For Himanta Biswa Sarma". NDTV. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  17. ^ "Himanta Biswa Sarma". Business Standard India. Archived from the original on 9 September 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  18. ^ "Overview: Brief History of Jorhat Medical College". jorhatmedicalcollege.in. Archived from the original on 8 April 2019. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  19. ^ Haq, Zia (3 May 2021). "Assam: The phenomenon called Himanta Biswa Sarma". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  20. ^ Himanta resigns from MLA post. Telegraph India. 15 September 2015. Archived on 1 August 2018.
  21. ^ "Former Assam minister Himanta Biswa meets Amit Shah, to join BJP". Hindustan Times. IANS. 23 August 2015. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  22. ^ Durba Ghosh (9 May 2021). "Dogged determination, hard work rewards Himanta Biswa Sarma with the CM's mantle". Mint. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  23. ^ "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.
  24. ^ Himanta Biswa Sarma becomes ACA chief. Assam Tribune (13 June 2016). Retrieved on 31 August 2017. Archived on 1 August 2018.
  25. ^ "Himanta Biswa Sarma Set To Become New Assam Cricket Association Chief". NDTV. PTI. 11 June 2016. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  26. ^ ANI (25 March 2022). "Himanta Biswa Sarma re-elected unopposed as BAI president". ThePrint. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  27. ^ "Himanta Biswa Sarma re-elected as BAI president, Gopichand named among vice presidents". Sportstar. 25 March 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  28. ^ PTI (9 May 2021). "Sonowal resigns as CM before BJP MLAs meet to elect new leader". Business Standard India. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  29. ^ PTI (9 May 2021). "Sarbananda Sonowal tenders resignation, prior to election of new Assam CM". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  30. ^ "Sarbananda Sonowal resigns as chief minister; Assam BJP MLAs' meet today". Northeast Now. 9 May 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  31. ^ Parashar, Shipra (9 May 2021). "Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal submits his resignation to Governor". Zee News. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  32. ^ PTI (9 May 2021). "Himanta Biswa Sarma set to become chief minister of Assam". The Economic Times. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  33. ^ Sharma, Vibha (9 May 2021). "Himanta Biswa Sarma is new chief minister of Assam". Tribune India. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  34. ^ a b "Himanta Biswa Sarma sworn-in as 15th chief minister of Assam". The Times of India. 10 May 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  35. ^ "Himanta Biswa Sarma sworn in as Assam CM". The Hindu. 10 May 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  36. ^ ANI (10 May 2021). "Himanta Biswa Sarma sworn in as Chief Minister of Assam". Business Standard India. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  37. ^ "Adopt 'decent family planning' policy to reduce poverty: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma tells Muslims". Scroll.in. Scroll. 10 June 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  38. ^ Parashar, Utpal (21 September 2021). "Assam Police arrest 450 land brokers in crackdown against 'Dalal Raj'". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
  39. ^ "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.
  40. ^ "Extrajudicial killings on the rise in Assam". Kashmir Media Service. 24 July 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  41. ^ "Himanta Biswa Sarma Defends Police 'Encounters', Says Those 'Fleeing Custody' Should Be Shot". The Wire. 6 July 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  42. ^ Das, Gaurav (10 July 2021). "With CM's Endorsement, Assam Police Forges Ahead on 'Encounter' Spree". The Wire. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  43. ^ "Assam bulldozes another madrassa 'linked to al-Qaeda'". The Hindu. 4 September 2022. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  44. ^ 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.
  45. ^ Mazumdar, Prasanta (30 July 2021). "Do not visit Mizoram: Assam travel advisory for its people". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  46. ^ "No curbs on travel to Mizoram, says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma". The New Indian Express. 30 July 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  47. ^ 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.
  48. ^ "Himanta Biswa Sarma booked for false claim on social media: Police". The Indian Express. 10 November 2020. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  49. ^ "Case Registered Against Himanta Biswa Sarma For False Claim On Social Media: Police". NDTV.com. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  50. ^ "BJP's Himanta Biswa, media falsely claim 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans raised by AIUDF supporters". Alt News. 6 November 2020. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  51. ^ Nath, Hemanta Kumar (10 November 2020). "Case registered against Assam minister Himanta Biswa for false claim on social media". India Today. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  52. ^ "Senior Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Booked for False Claim on Social Media: Police". News18. 10 November 2020. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  53. ^ "Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma booked for false claims on social media, say police". Scroll.in. 10 November 2020. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  54. ^ "'No need for masks, coronavirus is gone in Assam,' says health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma". Business Today. 4 April 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  55. ^ "'Is it our culture?': Himanta Biswa Sarma's 'father-son' remarks on Rahul Gandhi spark political furore, protests". Times Now. 13 February 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
  56. ^ "Telangana CM KCR demands PM Narendra Modi to sack Himanta Biswa Sarma for remarks on Rahul Gandhi". The New Indian Express. 12 February 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
  57. ^ ANI (16 February 2022). "Case Against Assam's Himanta Sarma For His Comments On Rahul Gandhi". NDTV.com. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
  58. ^ "Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma summoned by Uttarakhand court over defamatory remarks against Rahul Gandhi". India Today NE (in Hindi). 18 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  59. ^ Kashyap, Samudra Gupta (12 July 2010). "RTI activist has 'proof' of Assam Health Minister's ULFA past". archive.indianexpress.com. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  60. ^ "Akhil sees Sarma hand in diary theft". The Times of India. 28 July 2010. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  61. ^ Pisharoty, Sangeeta Barooah (19 July 2017). "As Corruption Probe in Assam Slows, Questions Are Raised About Official Intentions". The Wire. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  62. ^ Special Correspondence (11 July 2021). "Assam police on 'encounter spree', NHRC told". The Hindu. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
  63. ^ Dhar, Aniruddha (23 June 2023). "Himanta Sarma's 'Hussain Obamas' tweet sparks row, Oppn cites PM Modi's White House statement". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  64. ^ "'Hussain Obama': Assam CM Himanta Targets, Threatens US Ex-Prez With Islamophobic Slur". The Wire. 23 June 2023. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  65. ^ "Himanta Biswa Sarma's 'Miya' remarks: Rajya Sabha member files police complaint, Assam TMC writes to CJI". The Times of India. PTI. 17 July 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  66. ^ Deb, Debraj (23 June 2024). "Minority community in Assam showered Congress with votes despite BJP's development works: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma". The Indian Express. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  67. ^ J, Anand Mohan (19 September 2023). "In poll-bound MP, Himanta takes 'Hanuman bhakt' jibe at Kamal Nath". The Indian Express. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  68. ^ Bora, Pallav (21 September 2023). "Assam: FIR Against CM Himanta Over 'Hate Speech' Against Congress Leaders During MP Poll Rally". ABP Live. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  69. ^ "Himanta Biswa Sarma Awarded With Singapore's Top Fellowship". NDTV. ANI. 18 September 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
Political offices
Preceded by Chief Minister of Assam
10 May 2021 – Present 		Incumbent
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