In a startling revelation, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has claimed that the Muslim population in his state has surged to 40%, up just 12% in 1951. Sarma, also the BJP’s Jharkhand election co-in charge, commented on the sidelines of a party meeting in Ranchi, stating that demographic change is a “big issue” in the northeastern state.
“I come from Assam and demographic change is a big issue. Muslim population in my state is 40 percent now, which was 12 percent in 1951. It is not a political issue for me, but a matter of life and death, “Sarma told reporters.
The chief minister’s remarks drew sharp reactions from opposition leaders, with Assam Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accusing Sarma of “suffering from amnesia” and reminding him of his recent campaigning in minority-dominated areas of Assam.
Concerns Over Illegal Immigration
Sarma also alleged that the number of Bangladeshi infiltrators was rising in tribal areas of Jharkhand and called for a law that would prevent tribal girls from marrying infiltrators. He accused the Hemnar Soren-led Jharkhand government of failing to keep a check on the alleged influx of illegal migrants from Bangladesh into the state.
“The infiltrators come to Jharkhand and marry tribal girls to grab their land. I call for a law in Jharkhand that should have a provision that tribal girls cannot marry infiltrators,” Sarma said.
The Assam chief minister has been vocal about the issue of illegal immigration and has taken measures to address encroachment in the state. In March, following the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, Sarma laid down conditions for the recognition of Bengali-speaking Bangladeshi Muslims, known as ‘Miya’, as Indigenous people in the state.
Demographic Changes and Development Concerns
Sarma’s comments highlight the growing concerns over demographic changes in Assam and their potential impact on the state’s development and social fabric. The chief minister has often linked the rising Muslim population to issues such as poverty. economic disparities, and criminal activities.
In June 2021, soon after forming the government in the state, Sarma said, “Population explosion is the root cause of economic disparities and poverty among minority Muslims in Assam.” He had announced a plan to create awareness about population control and distribute contraceptives among people in the Muslim-dominated areas of the state.
Last year, the Assam government said it would conduct a socio-economic survey of the state’s five Indigenous Muslim communities so that measures can be taken for their upliftment.
Political Implications and Reactions
Sarma’s remarks come at a time when the BJP is gearing up for the upcoming Jharkhand assembly election. The party has promised to include a strong action plan against infiltrators in its manifesto.
The chief minister’s comments have sparked a political debate, with opposition leaders accusing him of trying to incite violence and polarize voters along religious lines. Jharkhand Congress spokesperson Sonal Shanti criticized Sarma for his remarks, stating that instead of providing relief to the people of Assam amid the floods, he is trying to incite violence in Jharkhand.
Conclusion
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s claim about the rising Muslim population in his state has ignited a heated discussion on demographic changes, illegal immigration, and their potential impact on the state’s development and social harmony. While the chief minister views the issue as a matter of “life and death,” opposition leaders have accused him of making divisive statements for political gains.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the state government and political parties address the concerns raised by Sarma while ensuring that the rights and welfare of all communities are protected. The upcoming Jharkhand assembly election will be a crucial test for the BJP’s strategy on the issue of illegal immigration and its impact on the state’s demography.