The Chief Minister of an Indian state serves as the head of the state government. While the Governor is recognized as the de jure (constitutional) head of the state, the real executive powers, or de facto authority, lie with the Chief Minister, as per the provisions of the Indian Constitution. In the Assam Assembly Election 2021, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 60 out of 120 seats, becoming the first non-Congress party to win consecutive terms in the state. The majority mark in the Assam Assembly stands at 64 seats. Alongside BJP, its alliance partners, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) won 9 and 6 seats respectively.
Assam had two Premiers between 1937 and 1950. Since 1950, the state has been governed by 15 Chief Ministers. Currently, Himanta Biswa Sarma holds the position as the 15th Chief Minister of Assam. Below is the List of Chief Ministers of Assam from 1937-2025.
Chief Ministers of Assam
Since 1946, Assam has witnessed the leadership of 17 Chief Ministers, beginning with Gopinath Bordoloi, who served as the First Chief Minister from the Indian National Congress (INC). The Current Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), assumed office in May 2021.
The Indian National Congress has historically been the dominant political force in the state, followed by the BJP and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). Over the decades, Assam has also come under President’s Rule on four occasions, each for a brief period, typically during times of political instability.
List of Chief Ministers of Assam
The INC dominated Assam’s politics for several decades. In 2021, Himanta Biswa Sarma, from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), became the 15th and Current Chief Minister of Assam, marking a significant political shift in the state’s governance. Below is the List of Chief Ministers of Assam and their respective parties:
List of Chief Ministers of Assam | |||
CM name | Duration | Party | Constituency |
Himanta Biswa Sarma(Current Chief Minister) | 2021 – present | Bharatiya Janata Party | MLA for Jalukbari |
Sarbananda Sonowal | 2016 – 2021 | Bharatiya Janata Party | MLA for Majuli |
Tarun Gogoi | 2001 – 2016 | Indian National Congress | MLA for Titabar |
Prafulla Kumar Mahanta | 1996 – 2001 | Asom Gana Parishad | MLA for Barhampur |
Bhaumidhar Barman | 1996 – 1996 | Indian National Congress | MLA for Barkhetry |
Hiteswar Saikia | 1991 – 1996 | Indian National Congress | MLA for Nazira |
Prafulla Kumar Mahanta | 1985 – 1990 | Asom Gana Parishad | MLA for Nowgong |
Hiteswar Saikia | 1983 – 1985 | Indian National Congress | MLA for Nazira |
Kesab Chandra Gogoi | 1982 – 1982 | Indian National Congress | MLA for Dibrugarh |
Anwara Taimur | 1980 – 1981 | Janata Party | MLA for Dalgaon |
Jogendra Nath Hazarika | 1979 – 1979 | Janata Party | MLA for Duliajan |
Golap Borbora | 1978 – 1979 | Janata Party | MLA for Tinsukia |
Sarat Chandra Sinha | 1972 – 1978 | Indian National Congress | MLA for Bilasipara East |
Mahendra Mohan Choudhry | 1970 – 1972 | Indian National Congress | MLA for Gauhati East |
Bimala Prasad Chaliha | 1957 – 1970 | Indian National Congress | MLA for Badarpur and Sonari |
Bishnuram Medhi | 1950 – 1957 | Indian National Congress | MLA for Hajo |
Gopinath Bordoloi | 1950 – 1950 | Indian National Congress | MLA for Kamrup Sadar (South) |
First Chief Minister of Assam
Gopinath Bordoloi, the First Chief Minister of Assam from 1946 to 1950, was a distinguished freedom fighter and a highly respected political leader. Deeply rooted in Gandhian principles, particularly non-violence, his ideals strongly shaped his approach to governance. Bordoloi played an important role in safeguarding Assam’s interests during the formative years of independent India, notably chairing key committees such as the North-East Frontier Tribal Areas and the Assam Excluded and Partially Excluded Areas Sub-Committee.
Current Chief Minister of Assam
Himanta Biswa Sarma, born on 1 February 1969, is an Indian politician and lawyer currently serving as the Current Chief Minister of Assam. Before taking on this role, he held several important positions within the state government, gaining valuable experience in both political and administrative spheres. As Chief Minister, Sarma has focused on promoting equitable development, with special attention to improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He has also worked towards strengthening regional connectivity to enhance Assam’s position as a key state in Northeast India, aiming for long-term growth and integration of the region.
Longest Serving Chief Ministers of Assam
Tarun Gogoi was a prominent Indian politician and lawyer who served as the 13th Chief Minister of Assam from 2001 to 2016. A senior leader of the Indian National Congress, he holds the distinction of being the Longest-serving Chief Minister of Assam, having completed three consecutive terms. During his tenure, Gogoi played a crucial role in stabilizing Assam by significantly reducing insurgency and curbing violence. He is also credited with improving the state’s financial condition, laying the foundation for long-term development and governance in the region.
Chief Ministers of Assam: Interesting Facts
- Assam has seen governments led by Indian National Congress, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- The first female Chief Minister of Assam was Syeda Anwara Taimur, a well-known figure in the Indian National Congress party in the state.
- Bhumidhar Barman of the Indian National Congress was the Shortest Serving Chief Minister of Assam.
- Since 1946, there have been 17 Chief Ministers of Assam. Ten of these belonged to the Indian National Congress.
Chief Ministers of Assam FAQs
Q1. Who was the first Chief Minister of Assam?+
Q2. How many times did Gopinath Bordoloi serve as Chief Minister?+
Q3. Who was the longest-serving Chief Minister of Assam?+
Q4. Which political party has had the most Chief Ministers in Assam?+
Q5. Who is the current Chief Minister of Assam?+
Tags: Assam CM Chief Ministers of Assam Current Chief Minister of Assam First Chief Minister of Assam