Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed worry about the state’s demographic situation, citing a significant increase in the Muslim population allegedly due to illegal infiltration from Bangladesh during past Congress administrations. Sarma linked various socio-political challenges to these demographic shifts. He claimed that a notable portion of the Muslim community in Assam consisted of individuals who had unlawfully migrated from Bangladesh.
The Chief Minister suggested that only a minority of Assam’s Muslims prioritize the country’s interests, while a larger segment reportedly comprises individuals who entered from across the international border. Sarma attributed this migration primarily to the Congress’ governance, accusing the party of failing to protect Assam’s borders and demographic balance effectively. He also raised concerns about potential security risks posed by these migrants, suggesting they might support Bangladesh in future conflicts.
Sarma emphasized his government’s commitment to preserving Assam’s identity, land, and resources through stringent measures. These include eviction operations against encroachments, bolstering border surveillance, and updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to tackle illegal migration. He criticized the Congress for what he termed as decades of “appeasement politics,” alleging that such strategies facilitated extensive migration and altered the state’s demographic fabric.
While the Chief Minister’s statements drew criticism from opposition parties, accusing him of attempting to polarize voters and deflect attention from governance issues, Congress leaders refuted the allegations as divisive and factually incorrect. The issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh has long been a contentious subject in Assam, influencing electoral discussions and policy formulations since the Assam Movement and the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985.
