The political structure of Assam in India is headed by the ceremonial post of the Governor. He is assisted by a council of ministers, headed by the Chief Minister, who are members of the Assam Assembly. In recent years the Governor has become more powerful, especially because the last two Governors have been ex-Army generals and the Army is entrusted with anti-insurgency operations against ULFA and other armed groups .[1]
The Assam legislative structure is unicameral and consists of the 126-member Assam Assembly. Members are elected for a period of 5 years. The Assam Assembly is presided over by the Speaker, who is generally a member of the ruling party.[2]
Assam sends 14 Member of Parliament(s) to the Lok Sabha.
| Year | Lok Sabha | Total seats | Largest party | Seats won | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | First Lok Sabha | 12 | Indian National Congress | 11 | |
| 1957 | Second Lok Sabha | 12 | Indian National Congress | 10 | |
| 1962 | Third Lok Sabha | 12 | Indian National Congress | 9 | |
| 1967 | Fourth Lok Sabha | 14 | Indian National Congress | 10 | |
| 1971 | Fifth Lok Sabha | 14 | Indian National Congress | 13 | |
| 1977 | Sixth Lok Sabha | 14 | Indian National Congress | 10 | |
| 1980 | Seventh Lok Sabha | 8 | 8 | ||
| 1985 | Eighth Lok Sabha | 15 | 7 | ||
| 1989 | Ninth Lok Sabha | – | No elections | – | |
| 1991 | Tenth Lok Sabha | 14 | 8 | ||
| 1996 | Eleventh Lok Sabha | 14 | 5 | ||
| 1998 | Twelfth Lok Sabha | 14 | Indian National Congress | 11 | |
| 1999 | Thirteenth Lok Sabha | 14 | Indian National Congress | 10 | |
| 2004 | Fourteenth Lok Sabha | 14 | Indian National Congress | 7 | |
| 2009 | Fifteenth Lok Sabha | 14 | Indian National Congress | 7 | |
| 2014 | Sixteenth Lok Sabha | 14 | Bharatiya Janata Party | 7 | |