NORTH East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma is all set to become Assam’s next Chief Minister after being elected unanimously as the leader of the BJP Legislature Party and subsequently as the NDA Legislature Party on Sunday, central observer and Union Agricultural Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said. Ending speculations on who would occupy the top post as both Sarma and outgoing Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal were contenders, the powerful NEDA convenor was elected as the legislature party leader, a week after the ruling alliance won the Assembly elections with a clear majority for the second successive term.

 

Assam Chief Minister designate Himanta Biswa Sarma called on Governor Jagdish Mukhi at Raj Bhawan on Sunday and staked claim to form Government, sources said. Sarma, who was accompanied by outgoing Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, submitted the list of elected legislators owing allegiance to the NDA. Mukhi accepted his claim and invited him to form Government, they said. The Governor will administer him the oath of office on Monday at 12 noon, the sources said.

 

Sarma’s name was proposed by the outgoing Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and seconded by BJP State party President and Patacharkuchi MLA Ranjeet Kumar Dass and newly-elected Haflong MLA Nandita Garlosa. “As no other name was proposed for the top job, Sarma has been elected unanimously as the BJP Legislature Party leader,” Tomar said.