Early Political Career

Sonowal's political journey began with the All Assam Students Union (AASU), a powerful student organization in Assam. He served as the President of AASU from 1992 to 1999. Under his leadership, the organization was active in addressing various socio-political issues, particularly those affecting the indigenous communities of Assam.

Entry into Mainstream Politics
Sonowal's transition into mainstream politics occurred when he joined the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a regional political party in Assam. He was elected to the Assam Legislative Assembly from the Moran constituency in 2001. His tenure as an AGP leader saw him advocating for the rights and development of Assam.

Move to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
In 2011, Sonowal joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking a significant shift in his political career. His induction into the BJP was strategic for the party, which aimed to strengthen its foothold in the northeastern region of India. He contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from the Lakhimpur constituency and won, subsequently becoming a Member of Parliament.

Ministerial Roles

As a member of the BJP, Sonowal was appointed as the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports in the Narendra Modi-led government in 2014. In this role, he focused on promoting sports and youth development across the country.

Chief Minister of Assam

In 2016, Sarbananda Sonowal was chosen as the Chief Ministerial candidate for Assam by the BJP. The party won the Assam Legislative Assembly elections, and Sonowal was sworn in as the 14th Chief Minister of Assam on May 24, 2016. His tenure as Chief Minister was marked by efforts to improve infrastructure, education, and healthcare in the state. He also focused on implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to identify illegal immigrants, a contentious and significant issue in Assam.

Return to National Politics

After serving as Chief Minister for one term, Sonowal returned to national politics. In the 2021 Assam Legislative Assembly elections, the BJP secured another victory, but Himanta Biswa Sarma succeeded Sonowal as Chief Minister. Subsequently, Sonowal was inducted into the Union Cabinet as the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Minister of AYUSH in July 2021.