News for 'Himanta Kumar Biswas'

Sonia Gandhi offered me CM post in 2014 but Rahul intervened: Himanta

Sonia Gandhi offered me CM post in 2014 but Rahul intervened: Himanta

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that Sonia Gandhi had asked him to decide on his swearing-in date as CM in 2014, but the situation changed after Rahul Gandhi intervened. Sarma, who later joined the BJP, believes the events led him to a better position to serve Assam and Sanatan dharma.

HC notice to Assam CM Himanta over hate speech PILs

HC notice to Assam CM Himanta over hate speech PILs

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The Gauhati High Court has issued a notice to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in response to Public Interest Litigations (PILs) accusing him of hate speech, with the court also issuing notices to the Centre, state government, and DGP, and setting a hearing date for April 21.

Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah joins BJP

Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah joins BJP

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah joined the BJP, marking a significant political shift ahead of the upcoming Assam assembly polls.

DYFI Alleges Government Weak Stand on APSC Exam Irregularities

DYFI Alleges Government Weak Stand on APSC Exam Irregularities

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) has voiced concerns over the government's handling of the Justice (Retd) Biplab Kumar Sharma Commission report on irregularities in APSC examinations, alleging a weak stance in implementing its recommendations.

'Rahul Gandhi told me he also feels humiliated'

'Rahul Gandhi told me he also feels humiliated'

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah, who resigned recently, is set to join the BJP, citing humiliation within the Congress party. He also responded to allegations of accepting money to switch parties.

Can Congress Recover From Borah Exit?

Can Congress Recover From Borah Exit?

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Bhupen Borah's resignation and swift switch to the BJP has dealt the Congress a major setback in Assam just weeks before the Assembly elections.

Twin blow to Assam Cong: Bhupen Borah heads to BJP; MLA joins Raijor Dal

Twin blow to Assam Cong: Bhupen Borah heads to BJP; MLA joins Raijor Dal

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

In a significant development ahead of the assembly elections, former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah is set to join the BJP, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Assam CM Sarma to sue Congress leaders over land grab claims

Assam CM Sarma to sue Congress leaders over land grab claims

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Assam Congress alleges CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's family grabbed thousands of acres of land, prompting a defamation case announcement. BJP denies claims as baseless.

HC stay blocks Karbi eviction demand, says Himanta; appeals for peace

HC stay blocks Karbi eviction demand, says Himanta; appeals for peace

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addresses the Karbi people's demand to evict alleged Hindi-speaking encroachers from grazing lands, citing a stay order by the Gauhati High Court. The situation follows violence in West Karbi Anglong district over land encroachment allegations.

Assam Cong ex-chief Borah quits, seeks time as BJP woos him

Assam Cong ex-chief Borah quits, seeks time as BJP woos him

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Borah told reporters outside his residence that he has sought time from the Congress high command to reconsider his decision

Tezpur University VC sent on leave amid protests

Tezpur University VC sent on leave amid protests

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Nearly three months after students and teachers launched protests demanding the removal of Tezpur University Vice Chancellor (VC) Shambhu Nath Singh, the Ministry of Education (MoE) asked him to proceed on leave and ordered the setting up of an enquiry panel to probe into the allegations against him, according to officials.

Nitish Kumar sworn in as Bihar CM for record 10th time

Nitish Kumar sworn in as Bihar CM for record 10th time

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president J P Nadda and several other top leaders of the NDA.

VIDEO: Modi makes historic landing at Assam highway airstrip

VIDEO: Modi makes historic landing at Assam highway airstrip

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Northeast's first Emergency Landing Facility in Assam, boosting regional defense and disaster response capabilities.

What Are Mohan Bhagwat's Views On Infiltration, Population Imbalance?

What Are Mohan Bhagwat's Views On Infiltration, Population Imbalance?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

All along, we were told SIR was an essential exercise carried out as part of the Election Commission's regular duties. But now that the ideological mentor of the ruling party has declared that SIR is a means of detecting infiltrators, one understands the unseemly haste with which it is being carried out, notes Jyoti Punwani.

Assam Intensifies Eviction Drives

Assam Intensifies Eviction Drives

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

'Losing a house is a terrible feeling... We were not given enough time to shift our belongings.'

Why Modi And Shah Like Nitin Nabin

Why Modi And Shah Like Nitin Nabin

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

Both Mr Modi and Amit Shah like Nabin because they know he will never answer back, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Tejashwi Addresses 18 Rallies Daily In Final Days Of Campaign

Tejashwi Addresses 18 Rallies Daily In Final Days Of Campaign

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

'Age matters and the way Tejashwi has been doing an aggressive campaign, only a young leader like him can do it.'

Bihar polls: Campaign ends for final phase, voting on Tuesday

Bihar polls: Campaign ends for final phase, voting on Tuesday

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

Campaigning has concluded for the second and final phase of the Bihar assembly elections, marking the end of a month-long intense political battle. Key candidates and prominent leaders from various parties held rallies and roadshows to woo voters.

Lalu's sons, deputy CMs in fray as Bihar votes in 1st phase

Lalu's sons, deputy CMs in fray as Bihar votes in 1st phase

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

In the first phase, a total of 3.75 crore voters will decide the electoral fate of 1,314 candidates, including top leaders such as INDIA bloc's chief ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary of the BJP.

EC to conduct house-to-house verification of voters in Assam

EC to conduct house-to-house verification of voters in Assam

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

The Election Commission has ordered a 'Special Revision' of electoral rolls in Assam, with the final voter list to be published on February 10, 2026. The revision aims to ensure clean and accurate electoral rolls, with house-to-house verification taking place from November 22 to December 20.

Bihar: Phase 1 voting today; Tejashwi, Samrat in fray

Bihar: Phase 1 voting today; Tejashwi, Samrat in fray

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

The stage is set for the crucial first phase of the assembly elections in Bihar on Thursday, as 3.75 crore voters will decide the electoral fate of 1,314 candidates, including top leaders such as Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance's (INDIA's) chief ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Assam Mourns Zubeen Garg

Assam Mourns Zubeen Garg

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

According to Indian High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule, Zubeen Garg had gone with 17 others on a yacht trip and died while 'swimming in the sea without a life jacket'.

Foreigners posing as Biharis, Bengalis in Assam? CM orders verification

Foreigners posing as Biharis, Bengalis in Assam? CM orders verification

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

He said his government will share details of these people with local authorities from where they claim to have come, so that it can be verified that they are not actually from "across the border".

Rahul displaying Chinese Constitution at rallies: Himanta

Rahul displaying Chinese Constitution at rallies: Himanta

Rediff.com18 May 2024

Several social media users said that the red-bound Constitution is a coat pocket edition, which has been presented to top Indian leaders, including the President and the Union Home minister.

Himanta Biswa Sarma to be next Assam CM, swearing in likely on Monday

Himanta Biswa Sarma to be next Assam CM, swearing in likely on Monday

Rediff.com9 May 2021

Sarma's name was proposed by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and seconded by BJP state party president Ranjeet Kumar Dass and newly elected Haflong MLA Nandita Garlosa.

Why J&K Border Villages Are Safe Haven For Terrorists

Why J&K Border Villages Are Safe Haven For Terrorists

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

'Why have we failed to address the issue of ensuring a requisite buffer zone in J&K, given that cross-border links of some J&K politicians are known?', asks Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

Gogoi's wife collected sensitive info for Pakistan: Sarma

Gogoi's wife collected sensitive info for Pakistan: Sarma

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi's British wife of collecting intelligence documents on behalf of the Pakistani climate lobby. Sarma claims to have documentary evidence of Gogoi and his wife's ties with Pakistan and will reveal everything publicly by September 10. Gogoi has denied the allegations, calling them a "C-grade Bollywood movie" and stating that he has only visited Pakistan once 12 years ago. Sarma alleges that Gogoi's wife, Elizabeth Colburn, worked for the climate lobby and had a close relationship with Pakistan.

Himanta to file defamation case against Rahul over 'Adani' tweet

Himanta to file defamation case against Rahul over 'Adani' tweet

Rediff.com9 Apr 2023

Sarma said the defamation case will be filed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Guwahati on April 14.

Himanta says Muslims causing veggie prices to soar

Himanta says Muslims causing veggie prices to soar

Rediff.com16 Jul 2023

Sarma, while responding to reporters' questions on high price of veggies in Guwahati, had said, "Vegetables are not priced so high in villages. Here the Miya vendors charge us more. Had it been Assamese vendors selling vegetables, they wouldn't have fleeced their own people."

Hard work rewards Himanta Biswa Sarma with CM's mantle

Hard work rewards Himanta Biswa Sarma with CM's mantle

Rediff.com9 May 2021

Sarma's eyes, according to those close to him, were always set on the top job in Assam. However, the leader who owed his early rise to two former chief ministers from the Congress had to toil for many years with dogged determination to achieve his goal.

Assam Congress leader held for social media post on BJP leaders

Assam Congress leader held for social media post on BJP leaders

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

Assam Congress spokesperson Reetam Singh was arrested on Saturday for a social media post questioning the status of cases registered against three senior BJP leaders, including a former state chief and two serving MLAs. The arrest came after a complaint by the wife of BJP MLA Manab Deka, who was mentioned in Singh's post. Singh's arrest was met with criticism from the Congress, with Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi alleging that Singh was "brutally dragged away" by police.

Assam coal mine mishap: Rescue op enters Day 7, 4 bodies recovered

Assam coal mine mishap: Rescue op enters Day 7, 4 bodies recovered

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Rescue operations at a flooded coal mine in Assam's Dima Hasao district continued for the seventh day on Sunday to locate trapped labourers inside the quarry. The bodies of four labourers have been recovered so far, with the dewatering process expected to reach its final stage soon. The mine was abandoned 12 years ago and was under the Assam Mineral Development Corporation until three years ago. The leader of the workers has been arrested and the police are conducting investigations into the case.

Biswa Sarma, 13 ministers sworn in

Biswa Sarma, 13 ministers sworn in

Rediff.com11 May 2021

Himanta Biswa Sarma -- who is also the North East Democratic Alliance convenor -- took the oath of office and secrecy in Assamese.

Mahayuti Supporters Throng Azad Maidan

Mahayuti Supporters Throng Azad Maidan

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra in a grand ceremony at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.

Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast; lakhs hit, toll at 36

Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast; lakhs hit, toll at 36

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

So far, over 30 people have died across Northeastern states due to heavy rainfalls, floods and landslides, according to media reports.

PPE contracts: Himanta's wife files Rs 100-cr defamation suit against Sisodia

PPE contracts: Himanta's wife files Rs 100-cr defamation suit against Sisodia

Rediff.com22 Jun 2022

Bhuyan Sarma filed the suit at the court of civil judge No 1 of Kamrup metropolitan district on Tuesday and it is likely to come up for hearing on Wednesday, her counsel Padmadhar Nayak said.

Himanta inducts 2 cabinet ministers, rejigs several seniors' portfolios

Himanta inducts 2 cabinet ministers, rejigs several seniors' portfolios

Rediff.com9 Jun 2022

The expansion was the first by Sarma since he assumed chief ministership of the state about 13 months ago.

Modi, Ambani, Shah Rukh, Salman attend star-studded Maha swearing-in

Modi, Ambani, Shah Rukh, Salman attend star-studded Maha swearing-in

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his cabinet colleagues Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh, chief ministers of Nationalist Democratic Alliance-ruled states and prominent personalities from industry and Bollywood on Thursday attended the grand swearing-in of Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra Chief Minister in Mumbai.

Why BJP failed to win Jharkhand despite aggressive campaign

Why BJP failed to win Jharkhand despite aggressive campaign

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

Despite the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance throwing all its weight to snatch Jharkhand from the hands of a Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-headed coalition, the saffron camp suffered a debacle leaving the party's rank and file wondering what had gone wrong.

Can Himanta Sarma navigate tough road ahead?

Can Himanta Sarma navigate tough road ahead?

Rediff.com24 May 2021

For the chief minister and Assam alike, the road ahead is full of challenges, notes Aditi Phadnis.