List of Former Chief Ministers of Assam, Know the Names and Their Tenure

Assam, the northeastern state of India, has witnessed a dynamic political landscape since its inception. From the early days of statehood in 1950 to the present year of 2024, Assam has seen a succession of Chief Ministers who have shaped its political, social, and economic trajectory. Let’s delve into the list of former Chief Ministers who have led Assam through various challenges and triumphs over the years.

Who is the Chief Minister of a State?

In India, the Chief Minister serves as the head of the state government, wielding significant executive authority despite the Governor being the official head as per the Constitution. Article 164 of the Indian Constitution outlines the process by which the Governor appoints the Chief Minister and other Ministers. Essentially, the Chief Minister holds the reins of governance, leading the state’s administration and decision-making processes.

Chief Ministers of Assam

Since 1950, Assam has been governed by a total of 14 Chief Ministers. With the recent appointment of Himanta Biswa Sarma, he becomes the 15th Chief Minister of Assam. Over the decades, Assam’s leadership has seen a succession of premiers, each leaving their mark on the state’s political, social, and economic landscape through their governance and policies.

First Chief Minister of Assam

Gopinath Bordoloi, Assam’s inaugural Chief Minister from 1946 to 1950, was not only a prominent Indian freedom fighter but also a respected politician. He chaired crucial committees like the North-East Frontier Tribal Areas and Assam Excluded and Partially Excluded Areas Sub-Committee. Bordoloi’s commitment to Gandhian principles, especially non-violence, profoundly influenced his political beliefs. Revered for his altruistic contributions, he earned the title “Lokpriya” from Assam’s Governor, Jayram Das Doulatram, symbolizing his immense popularity and dedication to the people of Assam.

Current Chief Minister of Assam

Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma assumed office as the 15th Chief Minister of Assam on May 10, 2021, succeeding Sarbananda Sonowal. With his swearing-in, Sarma undertook the leadership of the state, marking a new chapter in Assam’s governance. As the current Chief Minister, Sarma shoulders the responsibility of steering the state towards progress and development.

First Woman Chief Minister of Assam

Syeda Anwara Taimur, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress party in Assam, made history as the first female and Muslim Chief Minister of Assam, serving from December 6, 1980, to June 30, 1981. As a member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), she broke barriers and paved the way for women in Assam’s political landscape. Presently, Himanta Biswa Sarma holds the position of Chief Minister of Assam in 2021.

Longest Serving Chief Minister of Assam

Tarun Gogoi, an esteemed Indian politician and lawyer, held the position of the 13th Chief Minister of Assam from 2001 to 2016. Renowned for his leadership, Gogoi remains the longest-serving Chief Minister in the history of Assam. His tenure marked a significant period of governance and development in the state, leaving a lasting impact on Assam’s political landscape.

Shortest Serving Chief Minister of Assam

Bhumidhar Barman holds the record for the shortest tenure as Chief Minister of Assam, serving a mere 22 days in office. Despite his brief stint, Barman’s role in Assam’s political history remains notable, reflecting the dynamics and challenges inherent in the state’s governance during his brief tenure.

List of Former Chief Ministers of Assam (1950-2024)

Since 1950, Assam has been governed by a total of 14 Chief Ministers. With the recent appointment of Himanta Biswa Sarma, he becomes the 15th Chief Minister of Assam.

Here is the list of former Chief Ministers of Assam from 1950– 2024:

Former Chief Ministers of Assam (1950-2024)
S. No.	Name	From	To
1.	Gopinath Bordoloi	11 Feb 1946	06 Aug 1950
2.	Bishnu Ram Medhi	09 Aug 1950	27 Dec 1957
3.	Bimala Prasad Chaliha	29 Dec 1957	06 Nov 1970
4.	Mahendra Mohan Choudhary	11 Nov 1970	30 Jan 1972
5.	Sarat Chandra Sinha	31 Jan 1972	12 Mar 1978
6.	Golap Borbora	12 Mar 1978	04 Sep 1979
7.	Jogendra Nath Hazarika	09 Sep 1979	11 Dec 1979
8.	President’s Rule	12 Dev 1979	05 Dec 1980
9.	Anwara Taimur	06 December 1980	30 Jun 1981
10.	President’s Rule	30 Jun 1981	13 Jan 1982
11.	Kesab Chandra Gogoi	13 Jan 1982	19 Mar 1982
12.	Present’s Rule	19 Mar 1982	27 Feb 1983
13.	Histeswar Saikia	27 Feb 1983	23 Dec 1985
14.	Prafulla Kumar Mahanta	24 Dec 1985	28 Nov 1990
15.	President’s Rule	28 Nov 1990	30 Jun 1991
16.	Hiteswar Saikia	30 Jun 1991	22 April 1996
17.	Bhumidhar Barman	22 Apr 1996	14 May 1996
18.	Prafulla Kumar Mahanta	15 May 1996	17 May 2001
19.	Tarun Gogoi	17 May 2001	24 May 2016
20.	Sarbananda Sonowal	24 May 2016	10 May 2021
21.	Himanta Biswa Sarma	10 May 2021	Present