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Business News›Magazines›Panache›Panache People 101›Himanta Biswa Sarma
    Himanta Biswa Sarma

    Himanta Biswa Sarma

    Chief Minister, Assam
    Birth DetailsFebruary 1, 1969 | Gandhi Basti, Guwahati
    NationalityIndian
    LeaguePolitician
    EducationMA Political Science, Cotton University; LLB, Government Law College, Guwahati
    Himanta Biswa Sarma's Journey so far ...
    • An alumnus of Guwahati's prestigious Cotton College (now Cotton University), Himanta Biswa Sarma completed his post-graduation in political science from the institution
    • From his early days in college, he was involved in student politics. He was the general secretary of the Cotton College Union Society from 1991 to 1992. After his master’s, he attended Government Law College in Guwahati from where he obtained an LLB degree. Sarma practised law till 2001
    • In the early 1980s, he took part in the anti-foreigner's stir in Assam, along with All Assam Students' Union (AASU) leaders Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and Bhrigu Kumar Phukan. His activities were noticed by then Congress chief minister Hiteswar Saikia, who mentored him
    • In 1996, he first contested from the Jalukbari Assembly constituency on a Congress ticket but lost to his mentor Bhrigu Phukan before bouncing back five years later
    • The then chief minister Tarun Gogoi appointed the debutant MLA as a minister for agriculture, planning and development. Sarma became Gogoi’s main troubleshooter
    • He was the main campaigner for the 2011 Assembly elections and was a cabinet minister in Gogoi's second term, when he emerged as a de facto CM
    • In spite of an anti-incumbency wave in 2011, Gogoi came back to power for a third consecutive term with the help of Sarma's political skills and acumen, for which he was rewarded with plum portfolios
    • With the success, an ambitious Sarma started eyeing the chief minister's post and even camped in Delhi to lobby with the party's top leadership. This led to a wide rift within the Assam Congress and he was sidelined in the party
    • In 2015, he resigned from all government posts, the Congress and also as an MLA. Within a few months, he was welcomed to the BJP by then party president Amit Shah and made the Convenor of Assam BJP's Election Management Committee
    • Sarma, along with then BJP state president Sarbananda Sonowal, scripted history when the party won the 2016 Assembly elections. The duo was responsible for routing the Congress and establishing the first BJP government in Assam
    • Apart from holding key portfolios, like health and finance, in the Sonowal ministry, he was made the convenor of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), the NDA's coalition in the region. Sarma was tasked to ensure similar victories in other North Eastern states
    • He came out with flying colours over the next five years and became the blue-eyed boy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, NDA won 19 seats out of 25 in the Northeast
    • In the 2021 Assembly polls, he retained the Jalukbari seat and beat his nearest rival by over 1 lakh votes. Top leadership of the BJP appointed him as the head of the party in Assam and on May 10, he was sworn-in as the 15th Chief Minister of the state
    • Under his leadership, the Assam government introduced policies such as Ethanol Production Promotion and Wildlife Conservation
    • When there were widespread protests in Assam against the Citizenship Amendment Act, Sarma took to the streets and toured every nook and corner of the state to espouse the cause of CAA

    Before you go ...
    • During the Covid-19 crisis, he received praise from several quarters for his successful handling of the pandemic in the state
    • During campaigning for the Assembly polls, he received flak when he said there was no need to wear masks as there was no Covid in Assam
    • In an effort to curb poaching and create awareness of the endangered one-horned Indian rhinoceros, Sarma burnt rhino horns, a coveted item among poachers
    • In Assam and other North Eastern states, the youth call him Mama (Uncle)

    Last Updated: 26/10/2021

    Himanta Biswa Sarma News

    • Controversy arises in Assam as government instructs police not to refer CAA cases to Foreigners Tribunals. AJP criticizes the move while AASU protests the notification. Chief Minister Sarma discloses low number of CAA citizenship applications. Debates continue over the impact of CAA in Assam.
    • The flood situation in Assam sees gradual improvement as over 5 lakh people in 17 districts still face deluge. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assures Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of support, with Odisha offering assistance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledges aid, with over 100 casualties reported. Major rivers remain at dangerous levels.
    • The Assam government has instructed the state police to not forward cases of eligible individuals under the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 who entered India before 2014 directly to Foreigners Tribunals. Instead, these individuals should apply for citizenship through the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), with their applications assessed by the Government of India.
    • The Chief Minister met the families of Sujan Malakar, Jit Karmakar, Prasenjit Saha, Gouranga Malakar and Uday Sarkar and expressed his deep sympathy to them and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls.
    • The issue of replacing the statue which is over 60-year-old has snowballed into major controversy with opposition Congress staging protest. Locals and organisations are miffed by the district administrations’ decision.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that proficiency in the local language is now mandatory for government job selection, ensuring local rights and interests. This follows controversy over a notification exempting permanent resident certificates for certain college positions. Sarma also highlighted the success of the Pragyan Bharti scheme, benefiting nearly one lakh students with free education.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced plans to fill 35,000 government vacancies by April 2025. This includes positions in the police force, grade 3 and grade 4 roles within the state government, and teacher positions. Recruitment processes will be conducted transparently, with grade 3 and grade 4 exams scheduled in stages from September onwards. Police recruitment will begin in October, and notifications for teacher positions will follow soon. Physical tests for over 6,400 Assam Police posts start from October 3, while preliminary exams for grade 3 and grade 4 roles are set for September and October.
    • Assam's flood crisis has worsened, affecting nearly 23 lakh people across 28 districts. With water levels of major rivers above danger marks, the death toll has reached 78. Over 53,000 are in relief camps. Multiple agencies are engaged in rescue operations, and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assures adequate relief efforts.
    • CM Sarma visited three relief camps, spent time with the flood victims to take note of the rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures being undertaken by the government.
    • Condoling the deaths caused by the deluge, Priyanka Gandhi posted on X on Sunday, "The news of the deaths of a large number of people due to floods in Assam is very sad. Due to the continuously deteriorating situation, lakhs of people are living in relief camps."
    • Assam is witnessing the second wave of floods. The death toll in the floods this year stood at 52 and 12 others lost their lives due to landslides and storms.
    • Floods in Assam result in 58 deaths, with over 2.3 million people affected. Chief Minister visits affected areas and directs intensified search for missing child. Wildlife in Kaziranga National Park also impacted by the deluge. Thousands displaced, infrastructure damaged.
    • The severe flood situation in Assam has resulted in the loss of life, extensive damage to infrastructure, road closures, crop destruction, and livestock loss. Hundreds of people have been left homeless and unsettled, with Jubbar Ali, his family, and around 100 families in the Rowmari Pathar area facing similar problems. The Brahmaputra River's erosion has submerged 179 villages and inundated 1,571.5 hectares of crop area. Over 2.42 million people in 30 districts have been affected so far, with Dhubri being the worst-hit district.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited various flood-affected areas of Dibrugarh district, wading through submerged roads to assess the situation and interact with the affected residents.
    • Assam floods affect 16.50 lakh in 29 districts, with Brahmaputra, Digaru, Kollong overflowing. CM Sarma to visit. Relief measures discussed. Death toll: 56. Dhubri, Darrang, Lakhimpur worst hit. Brahmaputra above danger at Nimatighat, Tezpur, Guwahati, Goalpara, Dhubri. Tributaries Subansiri, Burhi Dihing, Dikhou, Disang, Dhansiri, Kopili overflow. Barak river and tributaries also flood.
    • Assam and Manipur grapple with devastating floods, leading to casualties and extensive damage, while authorities mobilize resources for relief efforts amidst challenging weather conditions.
    • Earlier on Sunday, the IAF had rescued 8 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and a revenue official from Jonai in Dhemaji district when they were stranded in another sandbar area during relief operations. Dibrugarh district has been severely affected in the current wave with the major town in Upper Assam inundated for the sixth consecutive day.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has declared a critical flood situation in the state due to heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh. The river Brahmaputra and its tributaries are flowing above the danger level, with Dibrugarh in Upper Assam being the worst affected area. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a warning for heavy rainfall for the next two to three days.
    • A letter shared by a Guwahati woman to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma highlights a distressing incident involving her 17-year-old transgender daughter. The teenager was forced to leave her school after posting bikini photos on social media, leading to accusations of slander and discrimination by the school principal. The case, which has sparked debates on gender inclusivity and the right to personal expression, is now under review by the Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR).
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for releasing the 17th instalment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi on June 18th, benefiting a total of 9.26 crore farmers nationwide. In Assam alone, Rs 350 crores were disbursed to 17.5 lakh beneficiaries. The PM-KISAN scheme, launched in 2019, provides Rs 6,000 per year to land-holding farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer.
    • The lunch menu included plain rice, jeera rice, pulao, mutton curry, special fish curry, fried fish, small fish cooked with ginger, mixed lentil soup, fried small potatoes, fried brinjal, mashed potatoes with mustard oil, sesame seed chutney, pickle, sweet yogurt, and gulab jamun, among 22 other items. Cabinet meetings in Assam are held in different locations by rotation.
    • Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor faced backlash from the BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh for sharing a meme regarding paper leaks in a national-level examination. The post sparked controversy and criticism from BJP leaders, labeling Tharoor as a 'repeat offender' for his indirect jibe at PM Narendra Modi.
    • Assam has seen a decrease in flood cases in eight districts, with over 2,07,500 people affected. The worst hit is Karimganj, with over 1.1 lakh people suffering. The total number of people killed in this year's flood, landslide, and storm is 39. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has suggested the creation of at least 50 large ponds in the northeast region to divert Brahmaputra river water, aiming to tackle floods and develop agriculture, irrigation, and tourism.
    • Sources said that chief Ministers focused on enhancing coordination among their respective police forces to effectively counter militant activities along the border. Measures to prevent the spillover of ethnic violence from Manipur into Assam.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the construction sites of Assam Skill University, Mangaldai Bypass, and Darrang Medical College & Hospital. He expressed concern over the slow progress of the projects and directed authorities to expedite completion. The Mangaldai Bypass on NH15 will enhance road connectivity between West Bengal, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh. The Assam Skill University aims to offer modern skill education, while the Darrang Medical College & Hospital will provide healthcare facilities and medical education.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has reshuffled some departments following the recent Lok Sabha polls. He has taken over the Health and Family Welfare Department from Keshav Mahanta, who previously handled the health portfolio. Mahanta will oversee Transport, Excise, and Fisheries departments.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Gauhati Medical College & Hospital to review the construction of the new Mother & Child Hospital wing, costing Rs. 375 crores. This eight-floor facility aims to address the rising number of maternal and pediatric cases. During a meeting with health officials, Sarma discussed faculty recruitment and capacity expansion. He highlighted that 70% of the construction is complete, with the rest expected by April 2025. Sarma also emphasized improving healthcare access and transitioning to solar energy for hospital operations.
    • BJP's early appointments for the assembly polls come after its relatively poor performance in 2024, vis-a-vis 2019 Lok Sabha polls, in Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand. BJP could win only nine Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, compared to 23 it won in 2019. NDA's total tally is 17 out of 48 in the state. Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Bhupendra Yadav have worked together for the Bihar assembly elections. Yadav was the party in-charge while Fadnavis was made election in-charge of the state.
    • BJP national President J P Nadda announced leaders in charge and co-incharge for upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Jammu and Kashmir. Bhupender Yadav and Ashwini Vaishnaw to lead in Maharashtra, Dharmendra Pradhan and Biplab Kumar Dev in Haryana, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Himanta Biswa Sarma in Jharkhand, and G Kishan Reddy has been given the responsibility for Jammu and Kashmir.
    • Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the Janata Bhawan Solar Project, a 2.5-Mw power generation capacity grid connected rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV system. The project will generate an average of 3 lakh units of electricity monthly, with an investment of Rs. 12.56 crore expected to be recovered within four years. The project will make the Assam Secretariat Complex the first civil secretariat in the country to rely entirely on solar generated electricity for daily consumption.
    • The Chief Minister took stock of the loss of land of the Kaziranga National Park primarily due to swift flow of river water. He said that as a result of this, a sizeable chunk of the forest land of the park has been lost. In view of this, he announced that a joint task force will be formed taking experts from Forest Department, Water Resources Department and the Kaziranga National Park to study the phenomena and recommend remedial steps. The team will submit its report within 45 days to the government. Based on the recommendations, the government will take appropriate steps to address the menace of soil erosion in the park.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the upcoming construction of a 1,000-MW Solar Power Project in Karbi Anglong. This comes after the laying of the foundation stone for a 25-MW solar power generation project at the Namrup Thermal Power Station in Dibrugarh district. The joint venture between Assam Power Generation Corporation and Oil India Limited will cost Rs. 115 crores and is expected to produce 50 million units of electricity annually upon completion in July 2025.
    • Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, took oath for the third consecutive term in Itanagar. He approved Rs 100 crore under the CMSSS, benefiting 80000 beneficiaries. The oath ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including BJP leaders.
    • The scheme aims to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio beyond matriculation, disburse benefits via DBT, and provide financial grants under the Anundoram Borooah Scheme for students scoring over 75% marks.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma introduced the 'Nijut Moina' scheme, offering monthly stipends to girls from class 11 to post-graduation to deter child marriages. The scheme has been launched with an estimated Rs 1,500 crore allocated over five years for around 10 lakh girls, excluding married girls unless enrolled in post-grad programs. The initiative aims to promote financial independence and education, providing varying amounts based on academic level.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Centre is set to invest Rs. 1,000 Crore for the construction of a new Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Assam. The proposed site for the IIM is located in the Marabhita and Dighalkuchi localities in Kamrup district, marking the second IIM in the Northeastern region after IIM Shillong in Meghalaya.
    • Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that a particular religion has not voted for NDA in Nagaland, Meghalaya and Manipur.
    • Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma did not campaign in Northeast India during Lok Sabha polls as he focused on Eastern India. He mentioned a particular religion not voting for NDA in Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Manipur.
    • Assam government has raised petrol prices by Rs 1.02 per litre and diesel prices by Rs 1.01 Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the state's fuel prices are Rs. 7 lower than West Bengal's, making them among the most affordable in India. He emphasising that despite the recent increase, prices remain lower than in neighboring states.
    • Jorhat assembly seat- Will have to invest time and had to give lot of time and put in lot of effort if he contests from Jorhat assembly seat in 2026 assembly polls and party will have to see if so, much time can be given by the chief minister in a constituency-Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
    • The Congress party in Assam won in three Lok Sabha seats despite alleged manipulation in last year's delimitation exercise, with the state government now initiating a delimitation process for panchayats aiming for elections by November. The political landscape of Assam has shifted after the recent delimitation of assembly and parliamentary constituencies, leading to changes in electoral dynamics and outcomes in the Lok Sabha polls.
    • Guwahati: Assam will soon get an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) with IIM Ahmedabad mentoring the new IIM in Guwahati. Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who previously advocated for this, announced the approval and highlighted the collaboration of premier institutes in transforming Assam into an educational hub.
    • As many as 54 candidates are in the fray for polls in three Lok Sabha seats, while 11 candidates including Kalpana Soren, wife of jailed former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, are contesting in the Gandey assembly by-election, the official said.
    • Opposition in Assam criticizes Himanta Biswa Sarma for remarks on Indian Constitution color, questioning Rahul Gandhi's possession of a Chinese Constitution. Hafiz Rafiqul Islam from AIUDF adds there's no fixed color for the Indian Constitution. Congress MLA Abdul Rashid Mondal emphasizes the uniformity of content over color. Sarma accuses Rahul of opposing the Uniform Civil Code.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said grand temples would be built in Varanasi and Mathura and the Uniform Civil Code would be implemented if the NDA returns to power by winning over 400 Lok Sabha seats. He said the NDA, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will ensure that Pakistan occupied Kashmir, which is an integral part of India, returns to the country.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of displaying a Chinese constitution at his rallies due to its red cover, which resembles the Chinese constitution. Sarma noted that the Indian constitution traditionally has a blue cover. In response, social media users clarified that the red-bound book is a coat pocket edition of the Indian Constitution, presented to Indian leaders, including the President and Union Home Minister. Sarma reiterated his claim, suggesting Gandhi opposes the Indian constitution's Directive Principles, especially regarding the Uniform Civil Code.
    • Veteran Bollywood actress and BJP's star campaigner Hema Malini on Friday said the BJD government, which failed to work for the development of Odisha, should take a rest now. While campaigning for party candidates here, Malini said that the BJD government is thinking that it has done a lot of developmental work in the past 25 years, but the reality is that a lot more needs to be done.
    • The Assam chapter of the Trinamool Congress has filed a complaint with the Election Commission, accusing Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of delivering a hate speech targeting the Muslim community while in Jharkhand.
    • The Director General of Police, Assam, GP Singh, announced plans for professional recording of Body Mass Index (BMI) for all Assam Police personnel, including officers, in accordance with directives from the Chief Minister's Office. The initiative aims to assess the health status of personnel, with a focus on addressing obesity. Personnel categorized as obese (BMI 30+) will be given three months to reduce weight, with exceptions for medical conditions like thyroidism. Those deemed unfit for duty after assessment may be offered voluntary retirement.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the BJP's need for 400 Lok Sabha seats to integrate the entirety of Jammu and Kashmir into India. He stressed upon the party's commitment to implement the Uniform Civil Code. He expressed confidence in winning all Jharkhand seats in the Lok Sabha election and forming the government in the upcoming Assembly elections.
    • Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma outlined BJP's temple construction plans, PoK integration, and reservation support, contrasting with Congress's alleged bias towards Muslims over SC, ST, and OBC communities.
    • Sarma rallies for BJP, aiming for 400 Lok Sabha seats to deter Congress from rebuilding Babri Masjid. He predicts PM Modi's re-election and BJP forming Odisha government. BJP's victory anticipated in Odisha polls.
    • Sarma promises free pilgrimage to Ayodhya for 5 lakh Odisha people if BJP wins. Criticizes BJD for naming villages with numbers. Plans jobs for 3 lakh youths, addressing question paper leaks.
    • Congress leader Sam Pitroda has sparked controversy with remarks comparing Indians from different regions to people of various ethnicities, stating, "We are all brothers and sisters." His comments were criticized by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJP's Kangana Ranaut. Pitroda has a history of controversial remarks, including endorsing an inheritance tax and questioning the Balakot air strikes. The Congress has distanced itself from his comments, emphasizing they don't always align with the party's stance. Pitroda's statements have often stirred political debates, reflecting India's diverse political landscape.
    • Maulana Badruddin Ajmal faces tough competition in Dhubri against Rakibul Hussain and Zabed Islam, amidst allegations of AIUDF-BJP ties. The political landscape in Assam shifts as the Election Commission reshapes constituencies, impacting the Dhubri Phulbari bridge project.
    • Priyanka Gandhi Vadra alleged scams, secret alliances in Dhubri. Criticized BJP over sexual abuse, PM Modi for electoral bonds. Claimed BJP became world's richest party in 10 years.
    • Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, known for serving healing water, is missing from the election scene in Dhubri due to the Assam Healing Practices Bill. The contest includes Zabed Islam, Rakibul Hussain, and Asom Gana Parishad. During campaigning, Ajmal, who is president of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), used to serve "healing" water. Earlier in the series of rallies he had to make time after prayers to "bless" many containers of water brought by his followers, who believe it has a healing effect.
    • Sarma while addressing the party's rally in Palasbari in Guwahati constituency said, "There is over 90 percent polling in constituencies like Dhing and Rupohihat. Whereas in constituencies like Palasbari, Jalukbari, Chaygaon places resided by Assamese/indigenous people voting percentage remains at 75 percent."
    • Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarifies his statement, stating he never said Chakma-Hajong refugees should be settled in Assam, but rather across India due to their inability to get permanent resident certificates in Arunachal Pradesh. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma denies any discussions on resettling these refugees in Assam. Opposition parties seek clarification, with AJP criticizing the Citizenship Amendment Act's impact on indigenous rights.
    • Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has affirmed that the central government has not held any discussions regarding the resettlement of Chakma and Hajong refugees in Assam. Rijiju, who represents Arunachal Pradesh in the Lok Sabha, has proposed relocating these refugees to Assam before they become eligible for Indian citizenship under the CAA.
    • When asked about Rahul Gandhi's potential candidacy for the Prime Minister's position, Sarma responded, "Rahul Gandhi is the best candidate for Pappu."
    • Borah challenges Sarma to resign if Gogoi wins Jorhat. Criticizes Sarma's dance moves in campaign meetings, suggesting he focus on key issues. Sarma may lose due to CAA. State ministers camped in Jorhat.
    • "We will win all five seats in the first phase--five out of five clean sweeps. We will also win the Karimganj seat in the second phase. In the third phase, except for Dhubri, we will win other seats. But there will be a contest in Dhubri and a good campaign is underway," said the Assam Chief Minister.
    • BJP President JP Nadda criticized Congress' policy of isolation in Northeast India, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has connected the region with the rest of India. He highlighted the progress made in integrating Northeast India, highlighting the reduction in insurgent attacks and civilian deaths in the last decade.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi, likening them to 'Amul Babies' and suggesting Assam residents prefer seeing animals over attending their campaign events. Sarma's remarks came after Priyanka's roadshow in Jorhat. He emphasized the people's disinterest in the Gandhi siblings' rallies, preferring to visit Kaziranga to see wildlife.
    • Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said that there is a fear in the Northeast that a government that can "bulldoze the abolition of Article 370 can very well bulldoze the abolition of Article 371 and its special provisions".
    • Jairam Ramesh, a senior Congress leader, criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, claiming Sarma owes his identity and position to the Congress. Ramesh highlighted the party's role in giving Sarma authority and responsibility during Tarun Gogoi's tenure. He labeled Sarma's departure to the BJP as betrayal and opportunism. Ramesh expressed confidence in the Congress's future, stating that opportunists leaving the party create space for committed youngsters. He also mentioned the party's election strategies and its focus on economic issues for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
    • Bikul Baruah, brother of ULFA (Independent) leader Paresh Baruah, urged his brother to return home to Assam with respect and to achieve his aspirations for the state. Baruah criticised the pro-talk ULFA faction's accord with the government, emphasizing the need for a solution beneficial to the people's interests. The family hopes for dialogue and a lasting solution.
    • Congress MP and Lok Sabha poll candidate Pradyut Bordoloi has filed a complaint against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for violating the model code of conduct by offering money to all ration cardholders during the election campaign. Bordoloi argues that such promises are unethical and an attempt to influence voters through financial inducements, compromising the integrity of the electoral process.
    • Atishi of AAP expressed confidence in Kejriwal's integrity and urged Dibrugarh to vote for AAP's candidate, emphasizing the party's commitment to honesty in politics and improving local infrastructure and wages. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 after the high court refused to grant him protection from coercive action by the federal anti-money laundering agency.
    • Sarma in an interview to a local television channel said around 7 lakh Muslims and 5 lakh Hindu-Bengalis were left out of the NRC list. “Many Hindu-Bengalis had come at different points of time and stayed at refugee camps however when they applied for inclusion in NRC, they submitted a stamped paper as proof of having stayed at such camps. But, Prateek Hajela (former NRC state coordinator) did not accept the paper. As a result, names of many Hindu-Bengalis were not included in the NRC.”
    • Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma criticizes Congress, alleging their manifesto mirrors Pakistan's elections agenda, emphasizing appeasement. On BJP's foundation day, Sarma invites unity, highlighting BJP's national contributions. Congress vows changes in Manipur, focusing on reconciliation, while BJP condemns their alleged appeasement politics.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized the Congress party's manifesto, likening it to one designed for elections in Pakistan. He condemned what he perceives as their agenda of appeasement, accusing them of attempting to divide society for political gain.
    • Sarma had claimed that Borah will join BJP. Borah had refuted the claim that he will join the ruling BJP in Assam early next year.
    • The BJP criticizes the Congress' 2024 Lok Sabha election manifesto, pointing out the use of foreign photos and questioning its credibility. Sudhanshu Trivedi highlights factual inaccuracies and alleges a lack of delivery on past promises. Congress pledges legal MSP, apprenticeship rights, and reservation amendments. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma questions foreign involvement in drafting the manifesto, sparking intense political debate.
    • Speaking at public rallies before the filing of nominations by BJP candidates for Nagaon and Darrang-Udalguri constituencies the chief minister said that the state will shoulder the responsibility of educating girl students up to the postgraduate level.
    • Khandu posted on X: “Another gimmick from China. Being a proud citizen of Bharat and a native of Arunachal Pradesh, I strongly condemn this act of naming places within Arunachal Pradesh which has been an inalienable integral part of India. Proud citizens and patriots of Arunachal Pradesh are rejecting such antics.”
    • Sarma in Diphu claimed that the congress candidates in Assam had been in BJP's choice and said that when Congress leaders talk against BJP, their cell phone records need to be checked to find if they are in touch with BJP for a switch over.
    • Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma subtly advised AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal to consider remarrying before the conclusion of Lok Sabha elections, hinting at impending legal consequences under a uniform civil code (UCC). Sarma's remarks followed Ajmal's comment suggesting he could marry again. The Chief Minister emphasized the imminent enforcement of UCC in Assam, potentially affecting polygamous marriages.
    • BJP sources on Friday said Home Minister Shah will address an election rally at Aalo in the West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh on April 6 and hold meetings with the state BJP leaders to discuss election-related affairs.
    • Assam CM plans UCC law post polls, Congress vs AIUDF in Dhubri, polygamy ban. Sarma confident in BJP win. UCC regulates marriage, inheritance, exempts tribals, criticizes underage marriage.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has claimed that state Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah will join the BJP by early next year. Sarma referred to the opposition Congress as a 'fixed deposit' of the BJP, drawing members whenever needed. He maintained that voting for Congress means voting for Rahul Gandhi, and for BJP means voting for Modi.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended a meeting with the leaders and workers of AGP, which is the ally partner of NDA and part of the BJP-led Assam government, to discuss about the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's statement comes after the Congress party recently said that the INDIA bloc would cross the halfway mark of 272 in the coming Lok Sabha elections.
    • Speaking to reporters at the state BJP headquarters after a poll-preparedness meeting on Saturday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "If the ED serves someone nine summonses and that person doesn't show up, it is evident that he is inviting his arrest. The ED didn't arrest Kejriwal, he invited the agency to arrest him."
    • The poll panel said in a statement on Thursday that the officials in these two districts have been transferred as "pre-emptive measures to dispel any apprehensions of the administration being biased or perceived to be compromised". Among others moved out are SPs of Chhota Udaipur and Ahmedabad Rural districts in Gujarat, SSPs of Pathankot, Fazilka, Jalandhar Rural and Malerkotla districts in Punjab, DM of Dhenkanal and SPs of Deogarh and Cuttack Rural districts in Odisha and DM of Purba Medinipur, Jhargram, Purba Bardhaman and Birbhum districts.
    • Sarma said on X, “Today in Mumbai, I had an excellent discussion with Mr. Dev Bajpai of Hindustan Unilever Limited & Mr. Prashant Mehta and Mr Saurav Sharma of Lilavati Medical Trust. Assam is looking forward to new investment opportunities by HUL including enhanced value addition to our tea industry. We anticipate an enthusiastic participation by Lilavati Trust in the State’s healthcare sector.”
    • Assam CM Sarma unveiled the Rs 27,000 cr Tata semiconductor facility in Jagiroad, aiming to empower Northeast youths in AI and semiconductors. The microchips will be used in Tesla vehicles, supported by the Union Cabinet for construction.
    • Ratan Tata's significant investment in Assam's semiconductor plant aims to boost the state's global presence in cancer care and semiconductor manufacturing. The initiative aligns with PM Modi's vision for electronics manufacturing in India, emphasizing the importance of indigenous innovation and national security.
    • Sarma said that while many Hindu-Bengalis who had applied for inclusion in NRC will submit applications under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, many others will take legal recourse as they will have to approach the tribunal to get their names cleared.
    • Sarma said, “A report was published during the Yatra questioning if Rahul used body double. However, Congress should have clarified if it was body double or look alike of Rahul.” He added, “On January 23, the body double was sent out of Assam. If that person was not body double, he should have stayed back and Congress could have said that he is look alike. The individual in question was mysteriously relocated to Delhi and then Bhopal immediately after the controversy erupted.
    • Assam has attracted investments worth Rs 13,364 crore, generating employment for over 17,000 people in the last 14 months, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced. These investments are a result of 21 proposals approved by the state cabinet under the Industrial and Investment Policy of Assam (IIPA), 2019. The IIPA was amended in 2023 to attract mega investments of Rs 100 crore and more, creating permanent jobs for 200 or more people. Sarma highlighted that Assam has customized incentives for mega investors, with seven more firms committing to create 6,500 jobs through Rs 2,000 crore of investment.
    • A heated exchange has erupted between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi regarding electoral bonds. The Assam CM's office dismissed Bordoloi's allegations of impropriety, asserting that there's no commercial relationship with the firm accused.
    • Assam CM said that the rules say very clearly— those who came after 2014, will not get the benefits of CAA. In 2014, National Register of Citizens (NRC) process was on in Assam . “In the context of Assam, since we have already captured the data — so you see there is no application from Assam and no agitation.” He added that Assam is a model state where minorities have got justice— in the last two years 600 students from minority communities have got admission into medical colleges. Muslim women, girls and unemployed youths will vote for BJP.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has criticized the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Assam, stating that it will provide citizenship to a small number of people in the state. In the last four days, no single person from Assam has applied for citizenship through the National Register of Citizens (NRC), which has a cut off date of 2014.
    • Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a 4% hike in dearness allowance for state government employees starting from January 1, 2024. He also discussed recruitment plans for Grade-IV employees in schools and a solar panel subsidy scheme. The Union Cabinet approved a similar 4% DA hike for central government employees and pensioners.
    • The Union government had on Monday implemented the CAA, notifying the rules to fast-track citizenship for undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014.
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday virtually laid the foundation stone for the Tata Group's Rs 27,000-crore indigenous "Semiconductor Assembly & Test Facility" at Jagiroad in Morigaon district. This apart, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stones for the Tata-Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing's "Semiconductor Fabrication Unit" at Dholera and that for the CG Power-Renesas outsourced assembly and test (OSAT) facility at Sanand, both in Gujarat. The combined investment of the three semiconductor chip production/assembly facilities comes to around Rs 1,26,000 crores.
    • AGP announced candidates for Barpeta and Dhubri in Assam. BJP declared candidates for 11 seats. AGP confident of winning both seats. Congress had won the Barpeta seat back in 2019. This time, AGP aims to have representation in Lok Sabha. Meanwhile, BJP also aims to win 11 out of 14 seats in Assam. BJP won 14 seats in Northeast India in 2019. Congress won 3 seats last time.
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