Assam Cabinet Minister Pijush Hazarika has hailed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2015 as a “turning point” in the state’s political and developmental trajectory. Speaking at a public event in Jagiroad on August 23, 2025, Hazarika described Sarma’s move as a bold and visionary step that reshaped Assam’s governance model and catalyzed a decade of transformation.
The remarks came during a high-profile gathering where Sarma announced multiple development initiatives, including the foundation stone for a women’s hostel at the Jagiroad Semiconductor Project site and financial assistance for 38,000 women entrepreneurs under the Chief Minister’s Women Entrepreneurship Mission. Hazarika, who joined the BJP shortly after Sarma in November 2015, reflected on the political shift that followed Sarma’s exit from the Congress party.
🧭 Timeline of Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Political Shift and Impact
| Year | Event Description | Outcome/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Sarma resigns from Congress, joins BJP | Political realignment in Assam |
| 2016 | BJP wins Assam Assembly elections | Sarma appointed key minister |
| 2016–2021 | Sarma leads major reforms in health, education | Infrastructure and policy overhaul |
| 2021 | Sarma becomes Chief Minister of Assam | Accelerated development and governance |
| 2025 | Sarma completes 10 years in BJP | Widely credited for reshaping Northeast politics |
Hazarika described August 23, 2015, as a “golden chapter” in Assam’s history, stating, “It was not anger against Congress, but concern for Assam’s future that drove the decision.”
📊 Key Reforms Under Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Leadership
| Sector | Major Initiatives | Resulting Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Health | New medical colleges in Jorhat, Barpeta, Tezpur | Expanded healthcare access |
| Education | Introduction of Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) | Over 50,000 fair appointments |
| Governance | Mission Basundhara for land rights | Digitization and transparency |
| Social Reform | Crackdown on child marriage, madrasa restructuring | Mixed public response, national attention |
| Infrastructure | Assam Health Infrastructure Development Scheme | Boosted rural and urban health facilities |
Sarma’s tenure has been marked by a blend of welfare schemes, administrative reforms, and assertive political messaging.
🔍 Pijush Hazarika’s Tribute and Political Context
Hazarika, who holds portfolios in water resources and information, praised Sarma’s foresight and leadership. He recalled the internal discord within the Congress party in 2011, when Sarma opposed the elevation of Gaurav Gogoi, son of then CM Tarun Gogoi, into state politics.
| Political Flashpoint | Description | Resulting Shift |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 Congress Rift | Sarma opposes dynastic politics | Over 40 MLAs defect to BJP |
| 2015 BJP Entry | Sarma joins BJP, followed by Hazarika | Strengthens BJP’s Northeast presence |
| 2016 Election Victory | BJP forms government in Assam | Sarma becomes key strategist |
| 2021 CM Appointment | Sarma replaces Sarbananda Sonowal | Consolidates BJP’s hold in Assam |
Hazarika emphasized that Sarma’s decision was driven by a desire to “take Assam forward under a strong Prime Minister,” referring to Narendra Modi.
📉 BJP’s Expansion in Northeast Under Sarma’s Leadership
As convener of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), Sarma played a pivotal role in expanding BJP’s footprint across the region.
| State | BJP/NEDA Government Formed | Sarma’s Role in Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Manipur | 2017 | Coalition building and outreach |
| Tripura | 2018 | Campaign management |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 2019 | Alliance consolidation |
| Meghalaya | 2023 | Post-poll alliance negotiations |
Sarma’s influence has extended beyond Assam, making him one of the most powerful regional leaders in the BJP.
🧠 Development Push in Jagiroad and Women Empowerment
At the Jagiroad event, Sarma announced the distribution of financial aid to 38,000 women entrepreneurs and laid the foundation for a 10-storey women’s hostel at the semiconductor project site.
| Initiative | Objective | Beneficiary Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Women Entrepreneurship Mission | Capital support for small businesses | Self-reliance and income generation |
| Jagiroad Hostel Project | Accommodation for working women | Safety and mobility |
| Sub-Divisional Office Foundation | Administrative decentralization | Improved public service delivery |
Hazarika praised these efforts as “evidence of a government that listens, acts, and delivers.”
📌 Conclusion
Pijush Hazarika’s tribute to Himanta Biswa Sarma’s 2015 decision to join the BJP underscores the profound political and developmental shift that Assam has witnessed over the past decade. From healthcare and education reforms to regional political strategy and social transformation, Sarma’s leadership has left an indelible mark.
As Assam continues its journey of growth and governance, the legacy of that pivotal decision in August 2015 remains central to the state’s evolving narrative—one that blends bold politics with impactful policy.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of August 24, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute political, legal, or electoral advice.
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