Barpeta, Assam: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urged Hindus to have two or three children to counter what he described as higher Muslim population growth in the state. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters during an official programme in Barpeta district.
Sarma linked population trends to religious identity. He stated birth rates remain high in minority areas while Hindu birth rates decline each day. He said this difference creates long term social imbalance. He also remarked fewer children among Hindus could lead to a shortage of people to manage households in the future.
The Chief Minister made these comments in response to questions about reports of rising Muslim population in several Assam constituencies. He advised Hindu families not to stop at one child and suggested three children where possible. At the same time, he stated Muslim families receive advice to limit family size and avoid having many children.
The timing of the remarks holds political weight. Assam Assembly elections are expected during March and April next year. Population narratives often surface during election periods and influence public perception.
Observers view such statements as dangerous and divisive. Linking demographic trends to a single community deepens fear and mistrust. Public discourse framed around religious population growth risks normalising Islamophobia.
