List of Chief Ministers of Assam
List of Chief Ministers of Assam , one of the northeastern states of India, has a rich political history that has witnessed several dynamic leaders serving as Chief Ministers since its inception in 1946. From the first Chief Minister, Gopinath Bordoloi, to the current incumbent Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam’s political landscape has evolved significantly, with various parties taking charge of the state’s administration. This article delves into the chronological account of Assam’s Chief Ministers, highlighting their political affiliations, notable achievements, and significant milestones.
- Gopinath Bordoloi – Laying the Foundation (1946-1950): Gopinath Bordoloi, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress (INC), became Assam’s first Chief Minister in 1946. He played a pivotal role in the state’s integration into the Indian Union and was instrumental in championing various socio-economic reforms.
- Bishnuram Medhi – Upholding the Congress Legacy (1950-1957): Following Gopinath Bordoloi’s demise, Bishnuram Medhi, also from the INC, assumed the position of Chief Minister. His tenure witnessed a focus on rural development and the consolidation of Congress’ stronghold in the region.
- Bimala Prasad Chaliha – A Visionary Leader (1957-1970): Bimala Prasad Chaliha, a prominent Congress leader, held the position of Chief Minister for an extended period. His tenure was marked by various progressive initiatives, including the establishment of educational institutions, infrastructure development, and land reforms.
- Sarat Chandra Sinha – A Brief Interlude (1970-1972): Sarat Chandra Sinha, a Congress leader, briefly served as the Chief Minister during this period. His tenure witnessed some developmental projects, but the political landscape experienced significant changes soon after.
- Golap Borbora – Political Turmoil (1972-1978): Golap Borbora, also from the Congress, faced political upheavals during his tenure as Chief Minister. His administration grappled with issues like student movements, insurgency, and socio-economic challenges.
- Anwara Taimur – A Trailblazing First (1980-1981): Anwara Taimur created history as Assam’s first female Muslim Chief Minister. She served as a Congress leader and focused on empowering women, education, and rural development during her brief term.
- Kesab Chandra Gogoi – The Stabilizing Force (1982-1985): Kesab Chandra Gogoi, from the Congress, assumed office as Chief Minister during a politically turbulent period. His tenure aimed at bringing stability to the state and addressing socio-economic issues.
- Hiteswar Saikia – Addressing Insurgency (1985-1990, 1991-1996): Hiteswar Saikia, a prominent Congress leader, served as Chief Minister in two non-consecutive terms. He grappled with the challenges of insurgency and worked towards peace-building efforts and infrastructural development.
- Bhumidhar Barman – Stepping into Governance (1996-2001): Bhumidhar Barman, a Congress leader, led the state during a time of political transition. His tenure focused on addressing infrastructure gaps, fostering economic growth, and improving governance.
- Tarun Gogoi – The Longest-serving Chief Minister (2001-2016): Tarun Gogoi, a stalwart Congress leader, held the position of Chief Minister for a record three consecutive terms. His tenure witnessed significant strides in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development.
- Sarbananda Sonowal – A New Era Begins (2016-2021): Sarbananda Sonowal, from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), emerged as the first non-Congress Chief Minister in Assam after a resounding victory in the state elections. His tenure focused on development, inclusivity, and strengthening regional ties.
- Himanta Biswa Sarma – Current Incumbent (2021-present): Himanta Biswa Sarma, a prominent BJP leader, took over the reins of Assam as the Chief Minister in May 2021. His administration has prioritized governance reforms, infrastructural development, healthcare, and overall socio-economic progress.
List of Chief Ministers of Assam
| Sl.No | Chief Minister | From | To | Party Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Himanta Biswa Sarma | 10 May 2021 | Present | BJP |
| 2 | Sarbananda Sonowal | 24 May 2016 | 10 May 2021 | BJP |
| 3 | Tarun Gogoi | 17 May 2001 | 24 May 2016 | INC |
| 4 | Prafulla Kumar Mahanta | 15 May 1996 | 17 May 2001 | AGP |
| 5 | Bhumidhar Barman | 22 Apr 1996 | 14 May 1996 | INC |
| 6 | Hiteswar Saikia | 30 Jun 1991 | 22 Apr 1996 | INC |
| 7 | President’s rule | 28 Nov 1990 | 30 Jun 1991 | N/A |
| 8 | Prafulla Kumar Mahanta | 24 Dec 1985 | 28 Nov 1990 | AGP |
| 9 | Hiteswar Saikia | 27 Feb 1983 | 23 Dec 1985 | INC |
| 10 | President’s rule | 19 Mar 1982 | 27 Feb 1983 | N/A |
| 11 | Kesab Chandra Gogoi | 13 Jan 1982 | 19 Mar 1982 | INC |
| 12 | President’s rule | 30 Jun 1981 | 13 Jan 1982 | N/A |
| 13 | Anwara Taimur | 06 Dec 1980 | 30 Jun 1981 | INC |
| 14 | President’s rule | 12 Dec 1979 | 05 Dec 1980 | N/A |
| 15 | Jogendra Nath Hazarika | 09 Sep 1979 | 11 Dec 1979 | JP |
| 16 | Golap Borbora | 12 Mar 1978 | 04 Sep 1979 | JP |
| 17 | Sarat Chandra Sinha | 31 Jan 1972 | 12 Mar 1978 | INC |
| 18 | Mahendra Mohan Choudhry | 11 Nov 1970 | 30 Jan 1972 | INC |
| 19 | Bimala Prasad Chaliha | 28 Dec 1957 | 06 Nov 1970 | INC |
| 20 | Bishnu Ram Medhi | 09 Aug 1950 | 27 Dec 1957 | INC |
| 21 | Gopinath Bordoloi | 11 Feb 1946 | 06 Aug 1950 | INC |
Conclusion: The political landscape of Assam has witnessed a diverse range of Chief Ministers from various parties, each leaving their indelible mark on the state’s development trajectory. From the pioneering efforts of Gopinath Bordoloi to the current leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam continues to evolve politically and strive for progress in various sectors. The contributions of these Chief Ministers have shaped the destiny of Assam and its people, fostering growth, inclusivity, and resilience.