New Delhi: A sharp political dispute has erupted in Assam following accusations by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party against the Congress over a demand linked to Assembly seat reservation for Miya Muslims. The BJP alleged that the Congress seeks reservation of 48 out of Assam’s 126 Assembly constituencies for the community, calling the proposal a threat to indigenous rights and social balance.
Assam Pradesh BJP spokesperson Kamal Kumar Medhi accused the Congress of abandoning its historical position on Assam’s identity. He claimed the party now promotes politics aligned with communal interests. Medhi compared the present Congress leadership with past leaders, stating earlier figures had opposed attempts to alter Assam’s political and cultural foundations.
According to Medhi, the controversy began after Mohsin Khan, a Congress spokesperson and National Secretary of the National Students’ Union of India, reportedly demanded reservation of 48 Assembly seats for Miya Muslims. Medhi described the statement as alarming and said it reflected an effort to advance Islamist fundamentalist influence in Assam. He linked the issue to regional security concerns and developments in neighbouring Bangladesh.
The BJP spokesperson further alleged that the Assam Congress leadership, under state president Gaurav Gogoi, had revived an old agenda aimed at weakening indigenous Assamese society. He claimed close associates of Gogoi supported the demand. Medhi pointed to the absence of any condemnation from the Assam Congress or the NSUI leadership, describing the silence as endorsement.
He also referred to past statements by Congress leaders supporting similar demands. He cited earlier calls by Miya Muslim leaders for a separate Miyaland council and a Miya Museum at Kalakshetra as part of a continuing political strategy.
Issuing a warning, the BJP said such demands would face firm resistance. Medhi stated Assamese society would remain united in defending its identity.
