Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused the Congress party of aiding what he calls a Demographic Jihad in Assam. He said the party is supporting population changes led by one religious group to win votes.
Read More: Himanta Slams TMC, Clarifies Stand on Infiltrators
Congress Encouraging Demographic Jihad in Assam, Says CM
Speaking at a public rally, Sarma said Congress has a clear agenda. He claimed they want to gain power by changing Assam’s demography. According to him, this plan threatens the identity of the Assamese people.
Sarma alleged that “a jihad has been launched to finish off the Assamese community.” He believes the Congress is encouraging this through political appeasement. He linked the issue to vote-bank politics focused on Muslim-majority regions.
Appeasement Over Assam’s Interests
The Chief Minister said Congress leaders ignore Assam’s long-term interest. He accused them of favoring one religious group to secure votes.
“They don’t care about our people,” Sarma said. “For the sake of elections, they’re supporting illegal immigration, uncontrolled population growth, and cultural dominance.”
He described this as part of a larger Demographic Jihad in Assam, aimed at erasing native traditions.
Threat to Language, Land, and Culture
Sarma warned that Assam’s language, customs, and even land rights are under threat. He believes the ongoing demographic changes will soon overwhelm local communities.
“This is more than just numbers,” he said. “This is about survival—our culture, our rights, and our way of life.”
He also claimed that religious institutions in the state are now spreading ideologies that oppose Assamese traditions.
“When faith becomes a tool for politics, it weakens our democracy,” the CM added.
Congress Denies All Allegations
The Congress party rejected Sarma’s statements. Party leader Debabrata Saikia called the comments “provocative and misleading.” He said the CM is using religion to divide voters ahead of elections.
Saikia said Congress always stood for Assam’s unity. “We do not support illegal immigration,” he stated. “Sarma is trying to hide his failure by targeting minorities.”
Assam’s Long Demographic Struggle
Assam has faced population challenges for decades. The state’s border with Bangladesh has made it a hotspot for migration. Many believe these changes are now shifting the region’s ethnic balance.
The Assam Accord of 1985 tried to address illegal immigration. But enforcement remains weak. In 2019, the NRC left over 19 lakh people out of the list, causing unrest and confusion.
Sarma has now reignited this issue by framing it as a Demographic Jihad in Assam.
Politics and Public Sentiment
Political experts believe Sarma’s words are meant to rally Hindu voters. They say the BJP wants to paint Congress as weak on illegal migration.
By focusing on Assamese identity, the CM hopes to build public support ahead of upcoming elections.
However, critics warn that this strategy could increase communal tensions. Assam has a history of ethnic conflict, and such language might worsen divisions.
What Lies Ahead
The debate around the Demographic Jihad in Assam is likely to continue. As elections approach, both parties will use the issue to attract voters. Sarma stands firm in his belief. He says protecting Assam’s identity must come first. Congress, on the other hand, accuses the BJP of fear-mongering and distraction. Only time will tell how this battle of narratives affects Assam’s future.
Read More: Arunachal’s GDP Rises 166% in a Decade: CM Khandu