Assam CM Sarma Vows to Prevent Bengali Muslims from “Taking Over” the State; Congress Walks Out in Protest

GG News Bureau
Guwahati, 27th August. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sparked controversy with his recent remarks, stating that he will not allow Bengali-speaking Muslims to “take over” the state. Speaking in the Assam Legislative Assembly during a debate on the Opposition’s adjournment motion, Sarma emphasized that he is “not in the competition for minority votes,” drawing sharp criticism from the Opposition.

The adjournment motion, brought by the Opposition, highlighted several pressing issues, including the rape of minors and the alleged targeting of Bengali Muslims in Sivasagar district, upper Assam. In his address, Sarma declared, “I will take sides. What can you do? Will not let Miya Muslims take over Assam.” The term ‘Miya’ refers to Muslims of Bengali origin, who are often accused of being illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

In a pointed criticism, Mr. Sarma referenced recent statements by Opposition leaders Rafikul Sahab and Debabrata Saikia, who had suggested that people might move from Lower Assam to Upper Assam. “You Miya Muslims will take the entire Lower Assam? We will not let you take Lower Assam, no never,” Sarma asserted.

His comments come just two days after Opposition MLA Akhil Gogoi accused the BJP of attempting to recreate the “2002 Gujarat episodes” in Assam, following reports that some organizations had allegedly been threatening Muslims in Upper Assam, demanding they leave the region.

In response, the Opposition’s All-India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has written to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, seeking action against unknown organizations and fundamentalist groups issuing threats to the Muslim community in Upper Assam.

Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia, speaking to reporters later, criticized the Chief Minister’s remarks, stating, “There are so many instances of law and order failure—rape, dacoity, murder, etc. We have provided statistics showing over 20 cases of murder and arson in just seven days in June.”

Saikia further alleged that since the BJP came to power, there have been at least six cases of rape per day, a figure higher than during the 15 years of Congress rule in Assam. “The Chief Minister is trying to suggest that a particular community is involved. There has been an assault on Indian citizens belonging to the minority community,” Mr. Saikia said, adding that “statistics don’t support such a claim.”

The Congress party walked out of the assembly in protest, accusing the Chief Minister of making “very communal” statements.