STATES OF THE UNION: WHAT THE BIG ASSEMBLY TEST OF 2016 TELLS US

SARBANANDA SONOWAL

The Union sports minister made history by leading the BJP to its first government in Assam. But that may have been the easier part of his journey. He must now maintain communal harmony in a multi-ethnic state and strike a balance with untested allies, AGP and Bodoland People’s Front. How he handles illegal migrants could also shape his party’s future in the region.

MAMATA BANERJEE

Never has Mamata Banerjee been on such a strong political wicket. In 2011, she ended the Left’s 34-year reign, and, this time, she has nearly wiped it out. Banerjee overcame corruption charges, united a faction-ridden party and blunted threats of the Left-Cong alliance to return with an even bigger majority. The victory could also launch her into a bigger role in national politics.

J JAYALALITHAA

Amma broke the state’s 32-year-old tradition to retain power in consecutive terms. Despite ailing, which meant a restrained campaign, her politics of sops and promise to introduce prohibition did the magic. But the challenge before Jayalalithaa will be to tackle an aggressive DMK and boost investments. The win could help consolidate her position in any possible Third Front in 2019.

VS ACHUTHANANDAN

At 92, he could become the oldest chief minister of India. VS Achuthanandan, considered Mr. Clean, is the LDF’s most acceptable face for the job. But the victory, in part, belongs to CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury who managed to bring the bickering VS-Pinarayi Vijayan factions closer to put up a united front against the ruling Congress.