Himanta Biswa Sarma cites Supreme Court observations on illegal migration as opposition accuses him of divisive rhetoric amid voter roll revision and pre-election tensions
Guwahati: Responding to allegations of communal targeting, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma argued, through a social media post on ‘X’, that his statements were rooted in constitutional concerns rather than political rhetoric. He cited Supreme Court observations that warned of a “silent and invidious demographic invasion” in Assam, particularly in Lower Assam, cautioning that unchecked illegal migration could threaten national unity and the region’s strategic importance. Acknowledging this reality, he said, should not be misconstrued as hatred or an attack on any community.
The Chief Minister additionally stated that, “Our effort is not against any religion or any Indian citizen. Our effort is to protect Assam’s identity, security, and future, exactly as the Supreme Court cautioned the nation to do.”
Moreover, the CM has reignited major political controversy with his recent remarks on the ‘Miyan’ community, a term commonly used in Assam to refer to Bengali-speaking Muslims and often linked in political discourse to alleged illegal migration from Bangladesh. The comments, made in late January 2026, have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil society.
The controversy intensified after videos surfaced in which the Chief Minister appeared to encourage economic pressure on the ‘Miyan’ community, suggesting that hardship could compel them to leave Assam. He openly stated that his party stood ‘directly against Miyas,’ linking the issue to illegal immigration and land encroachment. The remarks coincided with the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with the CM claiming that 4–5 lakh “Miya voters” would be removed, a statement that has raised concerns about selective targeting.
Opposition parties, including the Congress and AIUDF, have condemned the remarks as unconstitutional and inflammatory, accusing the Chief Minister of promoting discrimination and polarisation ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Complaints alleging hate speech have also been filed.
Supporters, however, argue that the Chief Minister is articulating long-standing concerns over identity, security, and illegal immigration. The episode has firmly placed the ‘Miya’ issue at the centre of Assam’s charged political discourse.
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