New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has drawn sharp attention after remarks about the Miya Muslim community and voting behaviour in the state. Speaking at a public conclave, he said welfare schemes for the community do not translate into electoral support for his party. He framed voting as an ideological choice and claimed members of the community openly refuse to vote for him despite receiving government benefits.
The Miya Muslims are Bengali speaking Muslims settled mainly in riverine areas along the Brahmaputra. Their presence shapes politics in more than 30 Assembly constituencies out of 126. The term Miya carries a derogatory meaning in local usage and faces strong rejection from many within the community.
Himanta said his government will continue welfare schemes since governance demands service to all citizens. He dismissed the idea of linking development work to votes. He repeated claims that even large cash benefits will not shift Miya Muslim voting patterns.
At the same event, the Chief Minister warned of a demographic invasion in Assam. He claimed unchecked population growth among Muslims poses a threat to indigenous communities. He cited projections placing the Muslim population near 40 percent by 2027. He added that a rise beyond 50 percent would erase the presence of others. He said his leadership is needed to maintain demographic balance.
Muslim groups view these remarks with concern. Leaders stress that identity based narratives distract from real issues such as education, employment, and flood control in riverine regions.
