BackPOLITICS
Himanta to return? Who will be Assam's new chief minister after BJP's poll win?
The BJP won an absolute majority in the Assam Assembly, securing 82 of 126 seats. Following the victory, HM Himanta Biswa Sarma resigned as chief minister, with an oath-taking planned around May 12 and a BJP legislature party meeting to name the new CM in the presence of central observers.
Why It Matters
The leadership choice will determine Assam's policy direction and governance as the BJP begins its third straight term in the state.
Timeline
11 Events
Biswajit Daimary margin in Tamulpur
May 6, 2026
Daimary won Tamulpur by over 29,000 votes, defeating UPP(L) candidate Pramod Boro.
Ranjeet Kumar Dass margin in Bhowanipur-Sorbhog
May 6, 2026
Dass won Bhowanipur-Sorbhog by 39,152 votes against CPI(M) candidate Manoranjan Talukdar.
Ajanta Neog margin in Golaghat
May 6, 2026
Ajanta Neog won Golaghat seat by a margin of 43,759 votes, defeating Congress candidate Bitupan Saikia.
Himanta Biswa Sarma's Jaklukbari margin highlighted
May 6, 2026
Sarma won Jaklukbari by a margin of over 89,000 votes.
Biswajit Daimary among potential CM contenders
May 6, 2026
Biswajit Daimary, current Assembly Speaker, is among the names considered for the chief minister post and could also be a deputy CM pick.
Ranjeet Kumar Dass among potential CM contenders
May 6, 2026
Ranjeet Kumar Dass, senior BJP leader and former Assembly speaker, is listed as a potential CM pick.
Ajanta Neog among potential CM contenders
May 6, 2026
Ajanta Neog, a six-time winner from Golaghat and current minister for finance and women & child development, is listed as a possible CM candidate.
Himanta Biswa Sarma identified as frontrunner for Assam CM
May 6, 2026
Himanta Biswa Sarma is described as the frontrunner for the chief minister post due to his key role in the election campaign and governance, though there is acknowledgment of potential surprise choices.
Oath-taking date and CM selection plan announced
May 6, 2026
The oath-taking is expected to be on May 12, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi possibly attending; the new chief minister will be chosen at a BJP legislature party meeting in the presence of central observers.
BJP wins 82 of 126 seats to secure absolute majority
May 6, 2026
The BJP secured an absolute majority by winning 82 seats out of 126 in the Assam Assembly.
Sarma resigns as chief minister, submits resignation to Governor
May 6, 2026
Himanta Biswa Sarma submitted his resignation to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Wednesday, paving the way for a new BJP government in Assam.