Assam needs a politics of trust, not suspicion

Himanta Biswa Sarma’s swearing-in for a second term as chief minister underlines a political order built in his own image in Assam. If his first tenure was spent consolidating the BJP’s dominance in the state, the 2026 victory has been shaped not merely by the party’s organisational machinery or Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national appeal, but by Sarma’s own political imprimatur: An aggressive mix of Assamese sub-nationalism, Hindu majoritarianism and welfare measures. The BJP-led alliance won 102 seats in the 126-member Assembly, with the BJP alone winning 82 seats — its biggest mandate in the state — underscoring the resonance of his jati, mati, bheti (community, land, foundation) narrative. In a state of diversities, however, a politics dependent on mobilisation against the Other also carries challenges that the new Himanta government will have to address.

Assam’s long and complex history — from its incorporation into the Bengal Province in the 19th century, to waves of migration from colonial times through the upheavals of Partition and after the formation of Bangladesh, and the violent Assam Aandolan of the 1970s and ’80s over land, language, and identity — has left a society acutely sensitive to questions of belonging. Sarma has proven adept at converting these historical fault lines into a political project. He has invoked spectres of “demographic invasion” by “people of one religion”, of land, flood and fertiliser “jihad” and carried out eviction drives. In this campaign, minority communities, especially Bengali-speaking Muslims, have been cast as perpetual outsiders — the allegedly illegal Bangladeshi Muslim immigrant eating into jobs and opportunity, land and culture. Having returned to power, Sarma must see that what the state needs most is a politics that creates trust, not one that stokes fear.

His government has paired identity politics with an expansive welfare push: Education schemes such as Nijut Moina and Nijut Babu; direct cash transfers to women under Orunodoi; entrepreneurial programmes like Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita and Atmanirbhar Asom, and infrastructure projects aimed at linking remote districts to urban centres. Between 2014-15 and 2023-24, Assam has registered a compound annual growth rate of 11.4 per cent. Land rights initiatives — Mission Basundhara that streamlines and makes accessible land revenue services and property rights, for instance — have helped deepen the party’s base in Upper Assam, where indigenous communities are concentrated. This mix of welfare and grievance has made Sarma one of the BJP’s strongest regional leaders, but his second term presents a larger question: Will he continue to govern through division or strive for a more inclusive politics? The answer to that question is important because Assam’s future lies in social cohesion, not in perpetual polarisation and the toll it takes.

Overall Analysis

The editorial examines the political rise and renewed mandate of Himanta Biswa Sarma while critically analysing the nature of the politics that has shaped his leadership in Assam. The central argument is that although Sarma has successfully combined welfare politics with regional identity mobilisation, governing through fear and division may harm Assam’s long-term social cohesion.

The article begins by acknowledging Sarma’s political strength and his decisive electoral success. It credits his popularity not only to the BJP’s organisational machinery or Narendra Modi’s national appeal, but also to his own political style. The editorial identifies this style as a combination of Assamese nationalism, Hindu majoritarian politics, and welfare schemes. The use of the phrase “political imprimatur” suggests that Assam’s current political order bears Sarma’s distinct personal stamp.

The second section provides historical context, tracing Assam’s anxieties around identity, migration, and belonging. References to Partition, migration from Bangladesh, and the Assam Aandolan explain why questions of land and identity remain politically sensitive. The editorial argues that Sarma has effectively transformed these historical insecurities into political mobilisation by portraying minorities, especially Bengali-speaking Muslims, as outsiders. Words such as “demographic invasion” and “jihad” are highlighted to show how rhetoric based on fear and suspicion has been used politically. The language here is critical and cautionary, warning against politics that depends on creating an “Other”.

The final section balances criticism with recognition of the government’s developmental initiatives. Welfare schemes, women-oriented programmes, infrastructure projects, and economic growth figures are cited to show that Sarma’s popularity is not based only on identity politics. The editorial appreciates the government’s welfare push but argues that development alone cannot compensate for increasing social polarisation. The concluding question — whether Sarma will continue governing through division or move toward inclusiveness — gives the article a reflective and forward-looking finish.

Overall, the editorial combines political analysis with moral concern. It acknowledges electoral success and governance achievements while warning that sustainable progress in Assam requires trust, inclusion, and social harmony rather than perpetual suspicion and polarisation.

Important Vocabulary (5)

1. Imprimatur – official approval or a distinctive personal influence.
2. Majoritarianism – political dominance by the majority community, often at the expense of minorities.
3. Fault Lines – deep divisions or points of conflict within society.
4. Perpetual – continuing endlessly or for a very long time.
5. Polarisation – division of society into sharply opposing groups or opinions.

Conclusion & Tone

The editorial argues that while Himanta Biswa Sarma has combined welfare governance with strong political messaging to secure electoral success, Assam’s future depends on inclusive politics and social trust rather than fear-based mobilisation and communal division.

Tone: Analytical, critical, cautionary, and reflective.