Guwahati, Oct 02: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has made a statement regarding the ‘Miya’ community, stating that the BJP does not need their votes from the ‘char’ (riverine sandbar) areas for the next 10 years, unless significant reforms take place within the community. Sarma emphasized the need for reforms such as putting an end to child marriage.
Sarma clarified that while the ‘Miya’ people may support him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the BJP, they do not need to vote for the party. He encouraged them to continue expressing their support through slogans and public endorsement.
The term ‘Miya’ is often used as a slang reference to Bengali-speaking Muslims.
The chief minister outlined his expectations, saying, “When elections come, I myself will request them not to vote for us. When you follow family planning, stop child marriage and shed fundamentalism, then you vote for us. To complete these, it will take 10 years. We will seek votes after 10 years, not now.”
Also Read: Mizoram Suffers ₹534.42 Crores in Losses Over 2 Years Due to African Swine Fever
Sarma specified that those who support him and the BJP should adhere to certain conditions, including limiting the number of children, ensuring their daughters receive an education, refraining from child marriages, and adopting Sufism while leaving behind fundamentalism.
He further mentioned that if certain ‘char’ areas with predominantly Bengali-speaking Muslim populations lack proper schools, immediate steps would be taken to establish schools in those regions. Sarma emphasized the importance of minority students having access to education and announced plans to open seven colleges in minority areas in the near future.
Sarma’s remarks have stirred discussions about the role of the ‘Miya’ community in Assam’s political landscape and the conditions set for their support. The statement highlights the significance of social reforms and education as key factors in the community’s political engagement.
