Hiteswar Saikia

Hiteswar Saikia Biography

Hiteswar Saikia was an Indian politician from the north-east state of Assam, who served as the chief minister for two terms, first from February 28, 1983 to December 23, 1985 and then from June 30, 1991 to April 22, 1996. He was a member of Indian National Congress. His wife Hemoprova Saikia was a member of Assam Legislative Assembly who got elected to the Assam Legislative Assembly in 2001 and 2006 from Nazira constituency. She also served as minister of Handloom and Textiles in Tarun Gogoi government. Their son Debabrata Saikia is also into regional politics, who is the current Leader of Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly. Hiteswar Saikia was also known as an able administrator and educator who improved the education scenario of the state by approving many new educational institutions.

Hiteswar Saikia was born at Bogabagh Tea Estate, Nazira, Assam on 3 October 1934. He was settled in Guwahati with his family after he got active into political scene. His father Haladhar Saikia worked as the tea garden's Head Clerk. Saikia was drawn to the non-cooperative movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi, right from the childhood (before independence). While studying at class 10, he gave up his studies to join freedom struggle movement. Later under the influence of his father, he completed his studies and earned a Master’s degree.

He got fully active in state level politics in the 1970s. Then he was working as a college lecturer. He became a member of newly formed Sarat Chandra Sinha Ministry, and was given a few portfolios with minister of state power. In 1974 his rank was upgraded to a cabinet minister. Saikia parted ways with Sarat Chandra Sinha and joined Congress in 1980. Later he served as CM representing Congress.

Published: January 14, 2019

Updated: January 14, 2019