Assam's Next CM: Amit Shah, Nadda, Sonowal, Himanta Biswa Meet in New Delhi to Start Shortly, Decision Likely Post 2 PM

Guwahati: Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President J P Nadda, B L Santosh, BJP National General Secretary will hold the crucial meet along with Assam's incumbent Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Finance, Health and Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to decide on who will be the next Chief Minister of Assam.

CM Sonowal is yet to reach the meeting venue. The meeting would start as soon as Sonowal reaches the residence of BJP National President Nadda. Home Minister Shah, BJP national GS Santosh and Assam FM Sarma are already there.

What sources are saying is that there are many options before the Parliamentary Committee – Option 1 - Continuing with Sonowal as the CM and making Himanta Biswa Sarma the Deputy CM. Option 2 – Making Sarma the CM and giving a Union Cabinet berth to Sonowal. Option 3 – Giving a Union Cabinet Ministership to Himanta Biswa Sarma and continuing with Sonowal as the CM.

Though the BJP got a clear mandate for a second term in Assam, the issue of picking the next Chief Minister for the state has become a tricky and extremely difficult and sensitive issue. Given the support of the public of Assam for Himanta Biswa Sarma for his untiring efforts to manage the COVID situation and his role in the campaigning, mobilising support, goodwill and votes for BJP and getting BJP back for a second term is making the decision tough for the BJP Parliamentary Committee members who have to decide on the man for Assam's top job. Sonowal too has a strong support base among the people and within the party.

In contention for the Assam CM's chair is the incumbent CM Sonowal and FM and Health Minister Sarma.

Sources are saying that some of the above-mentioned options are likely to be discussed at the meeting in New Delhi. Once a decision is taken about the next CM of Assam, the Parliamentary Committee is expected to decide on a mini-Cabinet for Assam. This will be done in consultation with BJP allies in Assam – AGP President Atul Bora and UPPL President Promod Boro. This is likely to be done keeping in mind the fact that the state needs a government in place immediately to take bold decisions to handle the worsening COVID situation in Guwahati and other parts of the state.

The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be held either on Sunday or Monday.

Also Read: Assam's Govt Formation: Incumbent CM Sarbananda Sonowal, FM Himanta Biswa Sarma Rush to Delhi

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