Assam Becomes Third State To Pass Uniform Civil Code Bill Amid Opposition Protests The Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill on Wednesday, marking the state as the third in India to enact the controversial legislation after Uttarakhand and Gujarat. The historic decision, passed despite intense opposition protests, aims to unify personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and other civil matters. The bill, introduced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, faces criticism from opposition parties who argue it was rushed through to influence the upcoming elections. The UCC bill, also known as the "Uniform Civil Code," seeks to replace disparate personal laws with a single legal framework applicable to all citizens, regardless of religion. Key provisions include strict penalties for bigamy and polygamy, with offenders facing up to seven years of imprisonment and fines of up to ₹25,000. The law mandates that all marriages, divorces, and other civil matters must be registered with the government, with non-compliance resulting in fines and jail terms. Live-in relationships, previously unregulated, are now governed by the bill. Partners must register their relationships with the government within a month of starting the relationship, or face penalties of up to three months in jail and fines of ₹10,000. Failure to disclose accurate information during registration could result in stricter penalties. The law also criminalizes fraudulent registration of relationships, with offenders facing up to three months in jail. Inheritance rights are restructured to ensure gender equality.#trinamool_congress #indian_national_congress #himanta_biswa_sarma #uniform_civil_code #assam_legislative_assembly

Himanta Biswa Sarma Set for Second Term as Assam Chief Minister The third BJP-led state government in Assam will be sworn in on May 12 at the Khanapara Veterinary Field, marking Himanta Biswa Sarma’s likely second term as chief minister. The BJP-led alliance secured an overwhelming victory in the April 9 Assembly elections, winning 102 of the 126 seats. This includes 82 seats for the BJP, 10 each for the AGP and BPF, surpassing the required majority of 64 seats. The BJP-led government, which first came to power in 2016, is set to continue its rule with Sarma as the head. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, and BJP national president Nitin Nabin are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony, which will begin at 11 a.m. on May 12. Assam state BJP president Dilip Saikia confirmed the attendance of key leaders, emphasizing the significance of the event. He noted that over one lakh people are anticipated to attend, underscoring the public’s support for the BJP’s governance. Saikia also highlighted the government’s commitment to implementing its Sankalp Patra (manifesto) promises, focusing on security, development, and addressing the needs of the people. Sarma, who tendered his resignation to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Wednesday, has been asked to continue as caretaker chief minister until the new government is sworn in. Assam chief secretary Ravi Kota outlined the preparations for the ceremony, stressing the importance of security, traffic management, venue readiness, and inter-departmental coordination. Kota emphasized strict adherence to protocols and seamless execution to ensure the event proceeds smoothly. The BJP’s victory has been widely anticipated, with interactions among BJP leaders in Guwahati indicating Sarma’s likely reappointment.#assam #bjp #himanta_biswa_sarma #narendra_modhi #agp
BJP & NDA Legislators to Meet to Elect New Leader BJP and NDA legislators in Assam are set to convene on Sunday to formally elect their new party leader, a process expected to conclude before the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday. The event will take place in the presence of two central observers, with Himanta Biswa Sarma widely anticipated to be chosen as the leader. The ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other NDA chief ministers. With leadership formalities nearing completion, the next critical task for Sarma will be assembling his cabinet. Assam’s legislative assembly has 126 members, allowing a maximum of 19 ministers, including the chief minister. Sarma is expected to appoint up to 18 ministers from the NDA’s pool of 102 elected MLAs, drawn from the BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF). Additionally, two MLAs will be designated as speaker and deputy speaker of the assembly. Cabinet formation in Assam traditionally balances performance, experience, and regional representation. The NDA’s elected MLAs reflect the state’s diverse social fabric, including members from the Ahom, Koch Rajbongshi, scheduled castes, tea tribes, Moran, Motok, Chutia, and Nath Yogi communities. While most groups have multiple representatives, the Nath Yogi community, which includes Kishore Nath of Barkhola (BJP), has only one MLA. Sarma’s cabinet choices will be closely watched as he seeks to balance governance with inclusivity across Assam’s varied communities. BJP state president Dilip Saikia confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony will take place at the Veterinary College playground in Khanapara, with over one lakh people expected to attend. He emphasized that preparations for the event are being closely monitored by the party and state government.#assam #bjp #himanta_biswa_sarma #nda #narendra_modhi

Cost of success: On the BJP’s victory in Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma is expected to take oath as Chief Minister after leading the BJP to power in Assam yet again. Mr. Sarma, who was a Congress leader when the party came to power in the north-eastern state in 2011, switched sides in 2015 and became a central figure of the BJP not only in Assam but also in surrounding states. Starting his political career in 2001 on a Congress ticket, he has won six consecutive elections from the same Assembly seat. Emerging as a powerful leader, he joined the BJP and was appointed Chief Minister in 2021. Since then, he has reshaped Assam’s politics through exceptional organisational ability, communal rhetoric, and the partisan use of state power. A combination of infrastructure projects and welfare initiatives, including the Orunodoi scheme for direct cash transfers to women and Mission Basundhara, a flagship program to digitise land records and protect land rights, enabled the BJP’s deep expansion. These efforts, along with measures like the delimitation of Assembly constituencies in 2023, have significantly altered the state’s political landscape. Mr. Sarma has been both the architect and principal beneficiary of this transformation. The BJP’s victory in Assam has broader implications for the party’s national power dynamics. Mr. Sarma is perceived to be close to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the BJP now commands a majority in the 126-member Assembly, with the ruling coalition holding 102 seats. This has not only decimated the Opposition but also rendered regional parties largely irrelevant. The BJP has consolidated fragmented social groups, diluting the linguistic and ethnic politics of the state. However, this consolidation has come at the cost of sharp religious polarization.#assam #bjp #himanta_biswa_sarma #amit_shah #delimitation_process

Supreme Court Grants Pawan Khera Bail | Assam CM Wife Passport Row The Supreme Court of India on Friday granted bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a case linked to allegations against the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The case centers on claims that Sarma's wife, Rinku Bhuyan, possesses three foreign passports and owns a U.S.-based company worth 50 billion dollars, which was not disclosed in her election affidavit. Khera, who accused Sarma's wife of financial misconduct, had earlier filed a press conference in Delhi and Guwahati on April 5, presenting evidence of the alleged discrepancies. Following Khera's allegations, Rinku Bhuyan filed a First Information Report (FIR) in Guwahati against him. On April 7, Assam police conducted a raid at Khera's Delhi residence. The Supreme Court, during its hearing on the bail application, noted that the allegations and counter-allegations appeared to be influenced by political dynamics. However, the court mandated that Khera cooperate with the Assam police investigation and warned against leaving India without judicial approval. Congress leaders Jayaram Ramesh and Abhishek Manu Singhvi criticized the police action, stating that 60 officers were deployed to Khera's home solely to intimidate him. They argued that the move was an attempt to suppress dissent and undermine the rule of law. In a separate press conference, Congress claimed that the Supreme Court had effectively "censored" the Assam CM by limiting his response to three pages, while numerous other issues remained unaddressed. They urged the CM to reflect on whether a constitutional position should be used to tarnish a woman's reputation. Sarma responded on social media, asserting that he had no need to learn about democracy from anyone.#assam #supreme_court_of_india #himanta_biswa_sarma #pawan_khera #rinku_bhuyan

Pawan Khera Gets Anticipatory Bail with Conditions The Supreme Court granted Congress leader Pawan Khera anticipatory bail under specific conditions, allowing him to remain free but requiring him to cooperate with the investigation, appear at the police station when summoned, and avoid tampering with evidence. The court also ordered that Khera cannot leave the country without prior approval. The bail conditions were imposed amid allegations that Khera made defamatory remarks against the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Rinku Bhuyan. The court’s decision came after a heated hearing on Thursday, where both sides presented strong arguments. Khera’s senior lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, described the case as "unprecedented" and criticized the prosecution for its approach. Singhvi accused the legal team representing Sarma of using "vulgar language" and claimed that the allegations against Khera were politically motivated. He argued that the charges of defamation and damage to reputation were baseless and that no arrest or interrogation was necessary. Sarma’s legal team, led by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, countered by asserting that Khera’s statements, which included claims about Rinku Bhuyan possessing passports from three countries and engaging in illegal activities, warranted further investigation. Mehta emphasized the need to trace the sources of the documents Khera presented to support his allegations, including claims of assets in Dubai linked to a U.S.-based company. He also highlighted the risk of Khera fleeing the country, citing a previous High Court ruling that deemed him a flight risk due to "fraud and conspiracy" charges.#abhishek_manu_singhvi #himanta_biswa_sarma #pawan_khera #rinku_bhuyan #tushar_mehta

Supreme Court Grants Anticipatory Bail To Pawan Khera In Assam Police FIR The Supreme Court of India granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a case linked to an FIR filed by Assam police. The court’s decision came after a hearing on April 30, 2026, presided over by a bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.S. Chandurkar. The court reviewed arguments from both sides before issuing its order, emphasizing the protection of individual liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. The bail was granted under strict conditions. Khera must appear at the police station whenever summoned, refrain from tampering with evidence, and avoid leaving the country without prior judicial approval. The court also mandated that the trial court may impose additional conditions as needed. Furthermore, the court clarified that the evidence and facts cited during the bail consideration are unrelated to the final verdict of the case. The case stems from an FIR filed against Khera, who was accused of making false allegations against Hima Bhuyan, the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Khera had claimed that Bhuyan possessed multiple passports and held assets abroad. The police had registered the FIR based on these allegations, leading to Khera’s arrest and subsequent legal challenges. Khera had previously sought anticipatory bail from lower courts, including the Assam High Court and the Gauhati High Court, but his applications were rejected. The Supreme Court’s intervention followed a directive from the Telangana High Court, which had initially granted him a one-week transit bail, which the Supreme Court later overturned. The court’s order highlights the balance between individual rights and the need for thorough legal scrutiny.#supreme_court_of_india #himanta_biswa_sarma #assam_police #pawan_khera #himima_bhuyan

Gauhati High Court Rejects Anticipatory Bail for Pawan Khera in Defamation Case The Gauhati High Court on Friday denied a request for anticipatory bail filed by Congress leader Pawan Khera in a defamation case involving Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The court emphasized that the allegations against Sharma, a private individual, extended beyond defamation to include serious offenses such as forgery and cheating. The decision followed a review of the case’s legal framework and the nature of the accusations. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Khera, argued that the case was politically motivated and that the allegations against Sharma were fabricated to gain political advantage. He also questioned the necessity of custodial interrogation, asserting that the case did not warrant such measures. However, the court rejected these arguments, stating that Khera had not cooperated with the investigation and that the case was aimed at "furthering ends of justice." The court ordered custodial interrogation to verify the authenticity of the documents cited by Khera, including the source and associates involved in collecting them. The case originated from Khera’s claims during a press conference days before the Assam elections, where he alleged that Sharma held multiple passports and undisclosed overseas assets. Specifically, he accused her of possessing passports from the UAE, Egypt, and Antigua-Barbuda, as well as two properties in Dubai and assets in shell companies. In response, Sharma filed a criminal complaint against Khera and others under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to cheating, defamation, forgery of valuable wills, and intentional insult.#abhishek_manu_singhvi #himanta_biswa_sarma #gauhati_high_court #pawan_khera #riniki_bhuyan_sharma
Assam AHSEC HS Class 12 Result Soon: Check Expected Date, Past Year Trends Here The Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC) is anticipated to release the Higher Secondary (Class 12) results for the 2026 academic session soon, with the official announcement expected by April 25. This follows the completion of the final examinations, which were conducted from February 11 to March 16 across 821 examination centers in the state. A total of 3,30,744 students participated in the exams, marking a consistent number compared to previous years. The results are likely to be declared through a press conference by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has been closely associated with the announcement process in recent years. Historical data indicates a pattern in the release dates of the Class 12 results. For instance, the 2025 results were announced on April 30, while the 2024 results were declared on May 9. The 2023 results were released on June 6, suggesting a gradual shift toward earlier dates in recent years. This trend may influence the current timeline, with April 25 being the most frequently cited date in media reports. However, the exact release date remains subject to confirmation by the AHSEC authorities. Students who took the exams can access their results through the official AHSEC website, ahsec.assam.gov.in, as well as alternative platforms such as resultsassam.nic.in and digilocker.gov.in. The process involves visiting the designated website, locating the "HS Examination Result 2026" link, and entering personal details such as the roll number and registration number. Once submitted, the mark sheet will be displayed on the screen, allowing students to download and save it for future reference.#himanta_biswa_sarma #digilocker_gov_in #assam_higher_secondary_education_council #ahsec_website #resultsassam_nic_in
Assam’s football icon Gilbert Sangma passes away at 71 Guwahati: Acclaimed Assamese footballer Gilbert Sangma passed away on Saturday at his residence in Guwahati’s Kahilipara area, leaving the state’s sports fraternity in deep mourning. He was 71. Widely regarded as one of the most dedicated and influential footballers to have emerged from Assam, Sangma earned admiration for his skill, discipline, and contribution to the game. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his condolences on Facebook, stating, “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Gilbertson Sangma, who emerged as a sensation in Assam football during the 1980s-90s. The legendary player, who mesmerized football lovers with the magic of his feet, brought recognition to Assam football across the entire country. Known as the ‘Prince of Assam Football’ and ‘Assam Saurav’, his demise is an irreparable loss to the sports world as well as to the social life of Assam. The people of Assam will always remember his immense contributions with respect and gratitude. I pray for eternal peace for the departed soul of this great star and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Om Shanti.” Born on April 12, 1955, in Dibrugarh district, Sangma began his football journey in the police reserve before representing Golaghat in the senior inter-district soccer championships in 1973. His early career was marked by his natural talent and relentless work ethic, which quickly set him apart as a standout player. An opportunistic striker, Sangma was selected for the Assam team in the Santosh Trophy, where he represented the state from 1973 to 1980. His performances in the tournament earned him national recognition and established him as a key figure in Assam’s football history.#himanta_biswa_sarma #gilbert_sangma #assam_police #dibrugarh #bordoloi_trophy

Nitin Nabin Launches BJP Campaign in Tinsukia, Promises Historic Hat-Trick Victory National BJP president Nitin Nabin launched an energetic campaign blitz in Assam’s Tinsukia district on Sunday, addressing a massive rally at the Ledo Bazar High School playground in Margherita. The event supported sitting BJP MLA and party candidate Bhaskar Sharma, with Nabin declaring the BJP’s readiness for a historic third consecutive victory in the state. Speaking to a charged crowd, Nabin expressed confidence in the party’s prospects under the leadership of Assam’s chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma. “The people of Assam have seen what genuine governance looks like. Under the dynamic leadership of chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam is on an unstoppable march forward,” he said. “I am fully confident that the people of this great state will bless the BJP with a historic hat trick in these elections.” Nabin highlighted Assam’s developmental progress, crediting both former chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and current leader Himanta Biswa Sarma for transforming the state. He drew a parallel between Assam’s growth and India’s trajectory under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance. “When Narendra Modi became Prime Minister twelve years ago, he gave this nation two powerful commitments—Vikas and Vishwas, development and trust. Today, every Indian can see those promises fulfilled in the roads we travel, the hospitals we visit, and the pride we feel as citizens of a rising India,” he stated. Nabin emphasized that Assam’s development under the “double-engine government” has reached every panchayat and village, reflecting the state’s integration into India’s broader growth narrative. The BJP president also underscored Assam’s strategic importance in India’s foreign policy, particularly under Modi’s Act East Policy.#assam #bjp #narendra_modi #himanta_biswa_sarma #nitin_nabin

Hslc Exam Results To Be Declared On April 10: Assam CM The Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, announced during an election campaign that the results of the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination are expected to be declared on April 10. While an official confirmation has not yet been issued, the CM stated that preparations for the result announcement are nearly complete, with the final date anticipated to be communicated soon by the relevant authorities. The announcement came as students inquired about the result date during the CM’s campaign activities. The HSLC examinations for 2026 were conducted by the Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB) between February 10 and February 27, with exams held at 1,046 centers across the state. An official confirmation from the board is expected to be released closer to the result date.#assam #himanta_biswa_sarma #assam_cm #assam_state_school_education_board #hslc_examination
Assam Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi Quits Party, Likely To Join BJP Senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigned from the Congress on Thursday, sparking speculation about his potential shift to the BJP ahead of the Assam assembly elections. In a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Bordoloi expressed "overwhelming sadness" over his decision to leave the party, citing deep disappointment with the leadership’s handling of internal matters. His resignation comes amid growing tensions within the Congress party, following the recent departure of former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah, who also quit the party days prior. Bordoloi’s decision to resign was linked to his opposition to the renomination of MLA Asif Mohammad Nazar, a figure embroiled in serious allegations. The Nagaon MP had warned party leadership that he would quit if Nazar was renominated for the upcoming assembly polls. In his resignation letter to Congress general secretary Jitendra Singh, Bordoloi criticized the party’s failure to address the allegations against Nazar, including a suo motu investigation by the Assam Police that led to the arrest and chargesheeting of Emdadul Islam, Nazar’s close associate. Bordoloi alleged that Islam was involved in a violent attack on him and his associate Sibamoni Bora in April 2025 at Dumdumia in Dhing, where around 20 armed individuals reportedly participated. After securing bail, Islam received what Bordoloi described as a "hero’s welcome" organized by Nazar. The MP further claimed Islam was taken to the home of state unit president Gaurav Gogoi and felicitated at an event on January 11, later appearing alongside Nazar and Gogoi at a party program in Morigaon.#bjp #himanta_biswa_sarma #assam_congress #pradyut_bordoloi #mallikarjun_kharge
Assam CM Sarma inaugurates Maharaj Prithu flyover to ease Guwahati traffic Guwahati’s transport infrastructure received a major upgrade with the inauguration of the Maharaj Prithu Flyover, a 4.2-kilometer, four-lane structure connecting Dighali Pukhuri and Noonmati. The project, completed in a record 28 months instead of the originally planned 36 months, aims to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce travel time for commuters. The flyover, named after the historic Kamrup king Maharaj Prithu, symbolizes advanced planning and collaborative efforts. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma dedicated the flyover to the public, highlighting its role in improving mobility and reducing pollution. The project, which cost Rs 852.68 crore, was sanctioned by the state government on June 26, 2023, with the foundation stone laid on November 16, 2023. The structure features 129 pillars and a steel girder superstructure. Sarma emphasized that the flyover’s rapid completion reflects the government’s technical expertise, rigorous oversight, and teamwork. The flyover will soon include a rotary at Guwahati Club and a connection to the Ulubari flyover, further enhancing connectivity. Additional measures, such as drainage improvements, road repairs, and high-quality lighting, are being implemented to support the area’s development. Sarma noted that GNB Road, one of Guwahati’s busiest thoroughfares, will benefit from reduced traffic pressure, leading to shorter commute times and lower emissions. The flyover is also expected to boost economic activity by improving access to business, academic, and medical facilities. Sarma described the project as a tribute to Assam’s rich heritage, honoring Maharaj Prithu, a ruler who safeguarded the state from foreign invasions.#assam #guwahati #assam_cm #himanta_biswa_sarma #maharaj_prithu_flyover

BJP Nominates Ahom and Adivasi Leaders for Assam's Rajya Sabha Elections The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam announced on Tuesday (March 3, 2026) that Culture Minister Jogen Mohan and MLA Terash Gowala would represent the party in the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16. The nominations mark a strategic move in a state where the BJP is vying for dominance amid growing competition from opposition forces. Both candidates belong to marginalized communities, with Mohan identified as an Ahom and Gowala as an Adivasi or “Tea Tribes” leader, highlighting the party’s focus on securing support from these groups. Three Rajya Sabha seats from Assam are set to become vacant after the retirement of Bhubaneswar Kalita, Rameswar Teli, and independent Ajit Kumar Bhuyan in April. The BJP’s selection of Mohan and Gowala is seen as a significant step in the lead-up to the polls, particularly given their representation of communities that form a substantial portion of the electorate in eastern Assam. This region, which has historically been a stronghold for the BJP, is now facing intensified challenges from a coalition of opposition parties. The Ahom and Adivasi communities are key voter bases in eastern Assam, where the BJP secured a majority of its seats in the 2016 and 2021 state elections. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the importance of these candidates, noting their grassroots connections and proven record of public service. He praised the BJP’s decision to nominate them, stating that their inclusion would strengthen the party’s parliamentary efforts. Sarma also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Nitin Nabin for the “exceptional nominations,” while confirming that the duo would file their nominations on March 5.#bjp #himanta_biswa_sarma #jogen_mohan #terash_gowala #narendra_moddi