KOLKATA: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sparked controversy on Sunday, asserting that the greatest threat to Hindus in India comes not from Muslims or Christians, but from Left-wing and liberal ideologies within the Hindu community itself.
Speaking at the Vivekananda Sewa Samman 2025 award ceremony, Sarma stated, “The Left and the liberals are the biggest danger to Hindus,” blaming these ideologies for weakening the Hindu community in West Bengal—a situation he attributed to the legacy of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s governance.
Sarma emphasized that India has been inherently secular for over 5,000 years, underscoring its deep-rooted values of tolerance and brotherhood. “No one needs to teach us secularism,” he remarked.
The Assam Chief Minister also criticized opposition leaders, particularly Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee, claiming they underestimate the resilience of Hindus. He pointed to the declining Hindu population in Assam and West Bengal, citing figures of 58% and 65%, respectively.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Sarma credited him with India’s advancements in the economy, science, and finance. He further highlighted key developments under Modi’s government, such as the Ram temple construction, abolition of triple talaq, and the push for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Reflecting on India’s post-independence trajectory, Sarma contrasted India’s secularism with Pakistan’s transformation into an Islamic republic, asserting that while civilizations have risen and fallen, Hindu civilization has remained intact.
The event, held in Kolkata, honored the ideals of Swami Vivekananda. Sarma later shared a video of his speech on social media, emphasizing the importance of preserving Hindu values in contemporary India.
