Himanta Biswa Sarma: From Boy Wonder to CM

by Ajit Datta

The rise of Himanta Biswa Sarma, who took over as the chief minister of Assam in May 2021, represents important transitions in Indian politics. His emergence as a strong regional leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after a long stint in the Congress party illustrates how Indian polity has changed from being Congress centric to BJP centric. His rise is also a symbol of how Indian politics is increasingly breaking free from its dynastic clutches and emerging as a domain of merit. The transition of the BJP as a party that thrives beyond the cow belt and fosters talent beyond the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, is also illustrated by Himanta’s rise. From the boy wonder of the Assam Agitation to the student leader who shook things up; from the astute back-room operator to the consummate administrator; from mass leader and ideologue to a chief minister, Himanta’s is a story of several twists and turns, of many movements and mentors, of numerous battles and allegiances. This is a story that goes well beyond one man and his state.
The first and most comprehensive biography of Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma.

244 pages, Hardcover

First published August 10, 2021

Reviews

[Prasenjit Basu · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent narrative, often inspirational in its telling, that beautifully evokes the ups and downs in the career of the greatest politico that northeastern India has produced. For anyone interested in understanding the personality of one of the rising stars of Indian politics, this is a must-read.