Current CM of Assam: Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma (BJP)
Current Opposition Leader of Assam: Debabrata Saikia (INC)
The political structure of Assam, a state in India, is headed by the Governor, a ceremonial position representing the state’s authority. The Governor is supported by a council of ministers, led by the Chief Minister, who are elected members of the Assam Assembly. In recent years, the role of the Governor has gained prominence, particularly due to the appointment of ex-Army generals to the position. These Governors have played a more influential role, especially given the Army’s involvement in anti-insurgency operations against groups like ULFA and other armed factions in the region.
The Assam legislative structure is unicameral, consisting of the 126-member Assam Assembly, with members elected for a term of 5 years. The Speaker, generally a member of the ruling party, presides over the Assembly. Over the years, Assam has witnessed various political changes. From 1946 to 1952, the Indian National Congress (INC) led the Provincial Assembly with Gopinath Bordoloi and later Bishnu Ram Medhi as Chief Ministers.
The first official Assembly (1952-57) also saw the INC in power, with Bishnu Ram Medhi as Chief Minister, opposed by the Socialist Party. The Congress continued its dominance in the subsequent Assemblies, with leaders like Bimala Prasad Chaliha and Mohendra Mohan Choudhury. The 5th Assembly (1972-78) saw Sarat Chandra Sinha of the INC in power, followed by a brief period (1978-79) where a coalition of the Janata Party, Communist Party of India (CPI), and Plains Tribals Council of Assam took control under Chief Ministers Golap Borbora and Jogendra Nath Hazarika.
There were several instances of President’s Rule, such as in 1979-80, 1981-82, 1982-83, and 1990-91, reflecting the political instability in the state. Anowara Taimur and Kesab Chandra Gogoi from the INC served as Chief Ministers during this turbulent period. The 7th Assembly (1983-85) returned the INC to power under Hiteswar Saikia. In 1985, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) emerged victorious, with Prafulla Kumar Mahanta as Chief Minister, marking a significant shift in Assam’s politics. The INC regained power in 1991 but faced competition from the AGP, which again took control in 1996 with Prafulla Kumar Mahanta at the helm.
The early 2000s saw the INC’s Tarun Gogoi serving as Chief Minister across three consecutive terms (2001-2016), with the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) as a key ally. However, in the 14th Assembly (2016-21), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed a coalition government with the AGP and BPF, led by Sarbananda Sonowal, signaling a new political era in Assam.
The Government of Assam, abbreviated as GoAS, is the governing authority of the Indian state of Assam. It is headed by the Governor, currently Lakshman Prasad Acharya, who is appointed by the President of India. The Chief Minister, currently Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, leads the government as the head of the majority party in the unicameral Assam Legislative Assembly. The Assembly members are elected by universal adult suffrage for a five-year term. The Chief Minister is supported by a Council of Ministers, which he nominates, though the size of this council is constitutionally limited.
In the 2021 legislative elections, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a majority in the Assam Assembly with 75 seats, followed by the Congress party with 29 seats, and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) with 16 seats.
Political Parties in Assam:
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): A major national party with significant influence in Assam, especially in recent years, focusing on development and governance.
Indian National Congress (INC): Historically influential, the INC has been a major player in Assam’s politics, advocating for secularism and social justice.
Asom Gana Parishad (AGP): A regional party focusing on Assamese identity and autonomy. It has been influential in the state’s politics, especially concerning issues related to Assamese nationalism.
All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF): Focuses on issues affecting minority communities and has a significant presence in the state.
Bodoland People’s Front (BPF): Represents the Bodo community, advocating for their rights and development.
United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL): Another party representing the Bodo community’s interests.
Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP): Emphasizes Assamese identity and autonomy, emerging as a significant regional force.
All India Trinamool Congress (AITC): A national party that has been expanding its influence in Assam.
Other Parties: Includes various regional and smaller parties like the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), Communist Party of India (CPI), Raijor Dal (RD), and several tribal and ethnic-based parties such as the Plain Tribals Council of Assam (PTCA), Rabha Jatiya Aikya Manch (RJAM), and Tiwa Jatiya Aikya Manch (TJAM).
Key Issues and Dynamics
- Ethnic and Regional Identities: Assam’s politics is heavily influenced by ethnic and regional identities. Issues related to Assamese identity, autonomy, and the rights of various ethnic communities often dominate political discourse.
- Insurgency and Security: Historically, Assam has faced insurgency issues, particularly with groups like ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom). Security and peacebuilding efforts continue to be a major focus.
- Economic Development: Development, including infrastructure, education, and healthcare, is a key issue. The state has seen varying degrees of progress in these areas depending on the ruling party.
- Immigration and Demographic Changes: The issue of illegal immigration from neighboring Bangladesh and its impact on local demographics and resources is a contentious topic in Assam politics.
- Coalitions and Alliances: Assam’s political landscape often involves complex coalitions and alliances, reflecting the state’s diverse interests and the necessity of forging strategic partnerships to achieve political power.