1. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma highlights the Muslim population surge to 40% from 12% in 1951
2. Sarma views demographic shift as crucial beyond politics, with far-reaching implications.
3. Concerns raised over demographic changes shaping Assam’s socio-political landscape.

Guwahati, July 17: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has voiced deep concern over demographic shifts in the state, highlighting that the Muslim population has surged to 40%, up from 12% in 1951.

Characterizing this trend as a critical issue transcending politics, Sarma emphasized its profound implications for Assam’s future.

“Changing demography is a big issue for me. In Assam, the Muslim population has reached 40% today. In 1951, it was 12%. We have lost many districts. This is not a political issue for me. It is a matter of life and death for me,” stated the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader.

Sarma’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the social and political impacts of demographic changes in Assam.

Earlier on July 1, Sarma had raised concerns about criminal activities linked to a specific religious group, although he did not explicitly name any community.

“I am not saying that crime is committed only by people of a particular religion, but recent incidents since the just concluded Lok Sabha elections are a matter of concern,” Sarma had pointed out.

In another instance on June 23, Sarma commented on the voting patterns of Bangladeshi-origin minority community members in the Lok Sabha elections, suggesting they favored the Congress over BJP-led initiatives in state and central governance.

He also criticized what he perceived as communal tendencies among this minority group in Assam.

During the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP, along with its allies AGP and UPPL, secured 11 out of 14 seats in Assam, while the Congress won the remaining three seats.

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However, in the broader context of northeastern states, the BJP coalition faced setbacks, clinching 15 out of 24 seats, with the Congress making significant gains from its previous tally of four seats.

Sarma underscored the challenges posed by religious affiliations in electoral outcomes, stressing that certain religious groups with substantial followings had openly opposed the BJP government in these states.

“A particular religion openly went against our government in those states, and that religion has tremendous followers in those states. So that has made a difference. It is not a political defeat, because nobody can fight with a religion,” Sarma remarked.

These statements reflect ongoing debates and concerns within Assam’s political landscape regarding demographic changes, communal dynamics, and their electoral ramifications.

As discussions continue, Sarma’s comments underscore the complexity and sensitivity surrounding these issues in the state’s socio-political discourse.