By: Dipak Kurmi
Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, proudly identifies himself as a true representative of the land. Adorning the walls of his office at the secretariat in Guwahati are portraits that symbolize his dual commitment. On one side, the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi stands tall, embodying Dr. Sarma’s dedication to realizing Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.’ On the other, the likeness of Gopinath Bordoloi, the first chief minister of Assam and a Bharat Ratna awardee, serves as a constant reminder. CM Sarma aspires to emulate Bordoloi, not only as an Assamese statesman and humanitarian but also as a follower of Mahatma Gandhi, weaving together the threads of history and contemporary aspirations in his leadership journey.
Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma reflects on his perspective rooted in Assam, where he grapples with the impacts of demographic shifts, particularly in discussions about religious identities such as Hindu or Muslim. However, his interactions with Prime Minister Modi provide a broader lens. Sarma recognizes that, for Modi, the overarching concern is the unity and well-being of Bharat as a whole. In these moments, the focus expands beyond regional dynamics to encompass a more comprehensive and national perspective.
CM Dr. Sarma’s trajectory, evolving from active participation in the student movement in Assam to attaining the pinnacle of political leadership in the state, mirrors the collective struggles of the Assamese populace. Nurtured by his father, the late Kailash Nath Sarma, a dedicated schoolteacher, young Sarma’s realization of his destined path struck him in the fifth grade. Contemplating the absence of Assam among the top-ranking states of India, he harbored ambitious dreams. In his book, “In Pursuit of a Dream,” Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma vividly recounts this formative period, expressing his early aspirations and the emotional impetus that led him to join the students’ agitation, fueled by a desire to bring recognition to Assam on the national stage.
In the era marked by the anti-foreigners’ agitation, Assam grappled with a relentless pursuit to safeguard its distinctive identity. The struggle climaxed with the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985, a period marred by the sacrifice of numerous young Assamese lives. However, rather than marking an end, this watershed moment served as the prologue to a protracted cycle of violence spanning three decades. The genesis of this turbulence lay in the formation of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) in 1979, advocating for an independent state. Recruiting and training Assamese youth for an armed struggle, ULFA gained strength with support pouring in from insurgent groups in neighboring states and beyond the borders. The repercussions manifested in a dark chapter of violent insurgency, enveloping Assam and its neighboring regions, persisting for decades without resolution despite the efforts of successive governments.
CM Sarma emerges as a product of a society marred by conflict, closely scrutinized by both citizens and outlaws since his foray into electoral politics in 1996. While his initial attempt as a Congress candidate in Jalukbari faced defeat, it proved to be the sole setback in his political journey. In 2001, he secured a resounding victory in the same constituency, propelling him into the spotlight. Simultaneously, he assumed ministerial responsibilities with key portfolios such as finance, agriculture, planning, and development. Since then, his trajectory has been marked by unwavering progress. Transitioning to the BJP on August 23, 2015, he took charge as the convenor of the election management committee for the 2016 assembly elections. Along this transformative path, CM Dr. Sarma acknowledges earning both critics and admirers, emphasizing that he has never lost a friend.
CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma reflects on what he considers his paramount strength – an unblemished record of retaining personal friendships across diverse realms, be it in the political landscapes of both Congress and BJP, the realms of sports, culture, or professional endeavors. According to him, the dichotomy between personal and professional spheres is non-existent when approached with harmony. As an enthusiastic reader delving into the realms of history and philosophy, CM Dr. Sarma finds resonance in the idea that when all aspects align seamlessly, a harmonious balance prevails.
CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s expansive vision for Assam, stretching from the Barak Valley to the Brahmaputra Valley and beyond, garnered attention, leading the BJP to designate him as the convenor of the North East Democratic Alliance. This political coalition aims to unite non-Congress parties in the region, propelled by CM Dr. Sarma’s inclusive and far-reaching perspectives for the development and cohesion of the Northeast.
Fusing a keen political acumen with a profound comprehension of insurgency dynamics, Dr. Sarma has played a pivotal role in shaping the BJP’s internal security strategy in Assam, yielding substantial benefits for both the party and the state. A source of concern for him arose when he observed that a significant proportion, approximately 35 to 40 constituencies out of Assam’s 126, were seemingly influenced by suspected foreigners. As a proactive measure, one among many, CM Sarma initiated the 2023 delimitation exercise, aiming to mitigate the repercussions of illegal migration and counter potential threats from Islamic radicalization emanating from foreign sources.
Given its strategic location, Assam serves as the gateway to the northeast, and historical ties dictate that occurrences in this state reverberate throughout the region. Despite holding the position of Chief Minister in a single state, CM Dr. Sarma shoulders the responsibility of securing Lok Sabha seats not only for Assam but for the entire northeast on behalf of the BJP. His ambitious target is to clinch victory in at least 22 out of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the region. Notably, he concedes the three seats in Assam dominated by Muslim constituencies, anticipating their alignment with the Congress.
Dr. Sarma has positioned himself as the go-to figure for prompt and effective solutions not only within the northeast but also for matters transcending the region, earning the trust of both Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Whether grappling with challenges posed by extremists in Punjab or navigating the intricate political landscape of Maharashtra, CM Dr. Sarma has consistently played a pivotal role in resolving issues favorably for the BJP. His reputation as a reliable problem-solver extends beyond regional boundaries, solidifying his standing as a key asset for the party’s strategic endeavors.
Illustrating his versatility in crisis management, CM Dr. Sarma swiftly responded to the unrest in Punjab triggered by the arrest of extremist Amritpal Singh last April. Expedited on a chartered flight to Dibrugarh, he played a pivotal role in navigating the situation, leading to Singh’s current confinement in Dibrugarh central jail. Another testament to his strategic influence unfolded a year earlier when a Guwahati resort served as the backdrop for Eknath Shinde and his supporting MLAs who revolted against the Shiv Sena. This rebellion, orchestrated over eight days in Guwahati, culminated in the toppling of the Uddhav Thackeray government in Maharashtra, with Shinde subsequently assuming the role of chief minister. CM Dr. Sarma’s adept handling of these diverse scenarios underscores his prowess in crisis resolution and political maneuvering beyond regional confines.
Dr. Sarma’s adept political maneuvering ensured the BJP’s continued dominance in Tripura during the assembly polls held last year. Despite facing a formidable challenge from the Tipra Motha, a party founded by Pradyot Kishore Manikya, the head of the Tripura royal family, CM Sarma orchestrated strategic moves that led to the division of opposition votes. Consequently, the left front, once a major player in the state, found itself relegated to the third position. Notably, the Tipra Motha secured a victory in 13 out of 20 seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes, marking the first instance since 1978 where the left parties failed to secure a single seat in the tribal belt. Many in the northeast perceive Dr. Sarma’s influence in supporting the Tipra Motha, and his well-known friendship with Pradyot adds layers to the intricate political landscape of the region.
Since parting ways with the Congress, CM Dr. Sarma has been ardently pursuing a mission to dismantle the longstanding presence of the grand old party in the northeast. Emphatically, he highlights his sense of respect and influence within the BJP, underscoring his position as a leader from Assam who wields the ability to connect with key figures in Delhi, including the president and the prime minister. CM Sarma often emphasizes the unprecedented nature of such influence and accessibility in the context of Assam’s political landscape.
Recognizing CM Dr. Sarma’s strategic acumen, the BJP swiftly welcomed him into its ranks, and under his leadership, the party secured victory in the 2016 assembly elections. Despite this success, the role of chief minister was bestowed upon Sarbananda Sonowal, a BJP member since 2011, predating CM Dr. Sarma’s entry by four years. Demonstrating patience and dedication, Sarma waited for five years before realizing his aspiration of assuming the chief minister’s office in Assam. This transition underscored his growing prominence within the BJP, evident in the party’s decision not to retain the chief minister under whom they secured electoral triumph. Sonowal, in turn, was elevated to the Union cabinet, entrusted with a significant portfolio.
Insiders familiar with the dynamics of power corridors affirm that CM Dr. Sarma shares a close and harmonious relationship with the influential Union Home Minister. In a noteworthy gesture of camaraderie in 2021, CM Dr. Sarma took on the task of translating a book titled “Amit Shah and the March of BJP” into Assamese, showcasing his commitment to bridging linguistic and cultural gaps while further strengthening his connection with the Union Home Minister.
CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma maintains a sense of groundedness on multiple fronts. He firmly believes in the principle that success as a chief minister should not come at the expense of failure as a father. Balancing the roles of a devoted father, dutiful son, and astute statesman, CM Dr. Sarma rejects the notion that holding the position of chief minister requires neglecting one’s family. To dispel such perceptions, he ensures an annual tradition of taking his wife out, underscoring his commitment to both familial relationships and public service.
Contemplating the concept of worship, CM Dr. Sarma reflects, “We often wonder where God resides. I believe the closest embodiment of God is found in one’s parents. By honoring their hard work and embracing their value systems, a sense of security unfolds.” Dr. Sarma, having encountered diverse challenges and conspiracies both in the political arena and personal life, draws strength from the simplicity instilled by his father. Amidst life’s trials, the fundamental lesson of being a humble human being, as imparted by his father, serves as a steadfast source of resilience for Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Undoubtedly, there is much more to unravel about Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma – this appears to be just the initial chapter in the unfolding narrative. (The writer can be reached at dipaknewslive@gmail.com)
