In the political landscape of Northeast India, Hemanta Biswa Sarma has emerged as a dynamic and transformative leader. Often referred to as the architect of modern Assam's new political journey, his rise from a student leader to the Chief Minister of Assam is a story of resilience, ambition, and relentless service. This blog delves deep into the biography, career, and success story of Hemanta Biswa Sarma — a name synonymous with political strategy and development.
Early Life and Education
Born on February 1, 1969, in Jorhat, Assam, Hemanta Biswa Sarma was raised in a middle-class Assamese family. His early education began in Guwahati, where he displayed remarkable leadership qualities from a young age. A brilliant student, Sarma pursued Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science from Cotton College, followed by an LLB degree from Government Law College, Guwahati.
His student life was characterized by active involvement in college politics. As a member and later General Secretary of the Cotton College Union Society, Hemanta honed his skills in public speaking, leadership, and mass mobilization — all of which would later define his political journey.
Entry into Politics
Hemanta Biswa Sarma’s official political journey began in the early 1990s when he joined the Indian National Congress (INC). His early mentor was former Chief Minister Hiteswar Saikia, under whom he learned the ropes of realpolitik in Assam.
In 2001, Sarma contested the Assam Assembly elections from Jalukbari constituency and won by a significant margin. This marked the beginning of his long-standing political innings. His ability to connect with the masses and execute development projects earned him multiple ministerial portfolios, including Health, Education, and Finance.
Transformational Work in the Congress Government
As a cabinet minister in the Congress-led Assam government, Hemanta Biswa Sarma brought substantial reforms in key departments:
Education: He introduced new schools, upgraded infrastructure, and initiated teacher training programs to improve education quality.
Health: Under his leadership, the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) became a success in Assam, significantly improving maternal and child health services.
Infrastructure: Road connectivity, bridges, and electrification projects received a major boost during his tenure.
Despite his success, internal conflicts with the Congress leadership in Assam began to surface, especially over leadership succession and policy decisions.
The Big Shift: Joining the BJP
In August 2015, after a prolonged rift with then Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Hemanta Biswa Sarma resigned from the Congress and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This decision was a turning point, not just for his career but for the political direction of Assam.
His entry into BJP brought a wave of energy and strategy to the party's Northeast vision. Sarma was soon appointed the Convener of North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), tasked with expanding BJP's footprint across the region.
Architect of BJP’s Rise in Northeast
As the chief strategist behind BJP's victories in Assam (2016), Tripura (2018), Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur, Hemanta Biswa Sarma played a crucial role in redefining Northeast India’s political identity.
In Assam, he led the BJP to its first-ever electoral win in 2016, defeating the Congress stronghold. He was instrumental in forming alliances with regional parties like Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF).
His unmatched organizational abilities and deep understanding of Assamese society and culture helped BJP script an unprecedented success story in the region.
Chief Minister of Assam: A New Era
In May 2021, Hemanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as the 15th Chief Minister of Assam, succeeding Sarbananda Sonowal. His elevation was widely anticipated and welcomed by various sections of the society.
As Chief Minister, he has prioritized:
Economic Development: Launching industrial corridors, boosting tourism, and encouraging entrepreneurship.
Infrastructure: Speeding up road and highway development, including the ambitious Brahmaputra River infrastructure projects.
Education and Health: Introducing schemes like "Orunodoi" and transforming government schools with smart classrooms.
Law and Order: Declaring a strict stance on crime, illegal encroachment, and border disputes.
Sarma’s leadership has also seen a robust push for digitization in governance, making citizen services more transparent and efficient.
Controversies and Criticism
While Hemanta Biswa Sarma has earned praise for his developmental policies, he has also faced criticism on various fronts:
Allegations of centralizing power and suppressing dissent.
Accusations of using strong-arm tactics against political opponents.
Contentious remarks on sensitive issues that have sparked public debate.
Nevertheless, his popularity among the masses remains strong, owing to his focus on development and delivery.
Awards and Recognition
Hemanta Biswa Sarma has received several accolades and honors for his public service, including:
Best Performing Minister award during his tenure as Health Minister.
Recognition by media houses for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Often featured in national discussions as a “Chanakya of the Northeast” due to his political acumen.
Personal Life
Sarma is married to Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, a successful entrepreneur and media house owner. The couple has one son. Despite his busy schedule, Sarma is known to be a family-oriented person. He enjoys reading political biographies and is an ardent follower of cricket.
Conclusion
Hemanta Biswa Sarma’s story is not just one of political success but of transformation — of himself, his party, and the entire Northeast region. From student activism to the corridors of power, he has shown how vision, determination, and grassroots connection can bring about monumental change.
Whether loved or criticized, Hemanta Biswa Sarma remains a towering figure in contemporary Indian politics. His journey continues to inspire a new generation of leaders who dare to dream beyond traditional boundaries.