Strongmen politics of the world move to Assam

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by Mrinal Talukdar

In the past decade, a striking political trend has emerged across the globe, particularly in some of the world’s most robust democracies. Leaders with forceful personalities, often perceived as strongmen, have risen to power, reshaping political landscapes and upending democratic norms. From Vladimir Putin in Russia to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey, and most notably Donald Trump in the United States, strongman leaders have challenged the foundations of democratic institutions. The phenomenon has made its mark in India as well, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the forefront of a similar shift towards centralizing power, projecting a resolute and, at times, divisive leadership style.

This trend is not just confined to national politics; it is trickling down to regional levels, significantly impacting states like Assam. In Assam, this shift is personified by the rise of two distinct political figures: Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Gaurav Gogoi, Member of Parliament and a prominent leader within the Indian National Congress.

These two leaders, though from opposing parties, share certain traits emblematic of this global strongman phenomenon – decisive leadership, disregard for other’s opinion and criticism, bulldozing of their allies interest and a preference for bold, often confrontational moves that capture public attention.

The Strongman Appeal

The appeal of strongmen lies in their unapologetic, assertive, and sometimes controversial personas. These leaders often display a “care less” attitude, unabashedly making polarizing decisions that defy convention, alienate opposition, or even divide their own support base. Yet, their directness, resilience, and assertiveness are viewed by many as signs of strength and resolve, qualities that the public increasingly associates with effective governance.

Who can be the better example than the newly elected 47th President of the United States Donald Trump.

In Assam, this inclination towards charismatic, assertive personalities is reshaping the priorities of the electorate. Traditional issues that once dictated election outcomes, such as policy agendas and social issues, are now often overshadowed by the allure of personality politics. The strongman archetype, with its focus on forceful leadership over collaborative or consensus-based governance, has increasingly found favor among voters in the state.

The Rise of Himanta Biswa Sarma

Himanta Biswa Sarma, a seasoned politician who shifted allegiance from the Congress to the BJP in 2015, has become a dominant figure in Assam’s political landscape. Sarma has consistently embraced a governance style that emphasizes swift decision-making and unapologetic displays of power. His leadership is marked by a boldness that often sidesteps traditional checks and balances, allowing him to project an image of a strong, unflinching leader. Sarma’s assertiveness has enabled him to consolidate a substantial support base, positioning himself as a guardian of Assam’s unique identity and regional pride.

Sarma has frequently adopted hardline stances on sensitive issues, particularly those related to Assamese identity and ethnic preservation. This approach has endeared him to a vast sections of the electorate that value a forceful stand on cultural preservation and identity politics. Under his leadership, the BJP has projected an image of uncompromising governance, promoting policies that resonate with a strong base while often disregarding opposition criticism or calls for moderation.

The Emergence of Gaurav Gogoi

On the other side of the political spectrum stands Gaurav Gogoi, son of the late Congress stalwart and former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. Unlike his father, whose leadership style emphasized on consensus, Gaurav Gogoi has embraced a more aggressive approach. He has increasingly taken a confrontational stance against the BJP-led government, displaying a willingness to challenge political norms and opposition unity for the sake of gaining traction and visibility.

Gogoi’s recent moves, including his controversial choice to field Jayanta Bora, a candidate with divisive views, in the Behali by-election, have signaled his readiness to break away from conventional alliances. This strategy seems to be an attempt to galvanize the Upper Assam electorate, rallying support around his vision for a Congress-led alternative to the BJP’s governance. For Gogoi, the Behali by-election was not merely about securing a seat; it was a strategic maneuver to position himself as a credible rival to Sarma, one unafraid to embrace controversy for the sake of visibility and influence. Even if they lose the Behali seat, Gaurav’spolitics believe that he would emerge stronger at the role of ‘challenger’.

A Showdown in 2026: Himanta vs. Gaurav

The political tension between Sarma and Gogoi is setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. The contest between these two figures symbolizes a larger ideological clash within Assam’s political landscape, with Sarma representing a strong, centralized approach aligned with the BJP’s national agenda, while Gogoi offers a defiant, alternative vision grounded in Congress’s legacy yet marked by a contemporary strongman approach.

This impending showdown has far-reaching implications for Assam’s political dynamics. The intense rivalry between Sarma and Gogoi has relegated smaller regional parties to the sidelines, diminishing their relevance in an increasingly polarized environment. The politics of Assam, once characterized by a rich tapestry of regional voices and local parties, is now converging towards a binary choice. Voters are being drawn into a scenario where the election becomes a referendum on leadership styles – a choice between Sarma’s hardline governance and Gogoi’s combative opposition.

The Global Strongman Trend in Assam

The phenomenon of “strongman politics” is not without its risks. While the rise of decisive, assertive leaders may bring about swift governance, it also poses a threat to democratic diversity. The allure of strongmen, with their penchant for centralized power and dismissal of dissent, can erode the pluralism and inclusivity that are vital to a functioning democracy. In Assam, as Sarma and Gogoi vie for dominance, the space for dissent, regional diversity, and collaborative policymaking risks being diminished.

Furthermore, as the political landscape narrows to a binary choice, smaller regional parties, which once provided Assam with a nuanced political discourse, are being rendered nearly obsolete. This shift mirrors a global trend where strongman leaders create polarized environments that favor either-or choices, effectively stifling smaller, independent voices within the political spectrum.

Assam’s Future in Strongman Politics

As the 2026 elections draw near, Assam finds itself at a crossroads. The contest between Himanta Biswa Sarma and Gaurav Gogoi represents more than a mere political rivalry; it reflects the broader shift towards strongman politics that is reshaping democracies worldwide. The implications of this shift are complex. On one hand, the appeal of strong leaders who promise decisive action resonates with a public disillusioned by ineffective coalition politics. On the other hand, this approach risks undermining the pluralistic and democratic ethos that has historically defined Assam.

In this evolving landscape, the future of Assam’s political identity hangs in the balance. The strongman approach, with its emphasis on forceful leadership, promises clear, resolute governance but at the cost of eroding the democratic space that allows for dissent, diversity, and regional representation. Whether Assam’s electorate will ultimately embrace this global trend or push back in favor of a more pluralistic political model remains to be seen.

In the meantime, the rivalry between Himanta Biswa Sarma and Gaurav Gogoi serves as a potent example of the complex dynamics at play in today’s democracies, where strongman politics both captivates and polarizes. As Assam heads into a new era, the battle between these two leaders will undoubtedly shape the state’s future, for better or for worse, as part of the global trend toward the consolidation of power in the hands of forceful, charismatic individuals.


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