GUWAHATI, Jan 30: A significant political controversy has erupted in Assam, potentially leading to serious legal ramifications. This turmoil originated in Digboi on Tuesday when Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma delivered a bold speech that undermined the typical decorum associated with governance. Rather than discussing policies in a conventional manner, Sarma advocated for a direct social pressure on the Miya Muslims, a community of Bengali-speaking Muslims. His remarks included shocking suggestions urging citizens to deliberately shortchange Miya rickshaw pullers, for instance, proposing that fares of Rs 5 should be adjusted to Rs 4.
Sarma made alarming assertions, boasting that approximately 4-5 lakh “Miya votes” would be invalidated during the Special Intensive Revision process. He framed it as his obligation to make this group “suffer” to safeguard Assam’s demographic balance. The fallout was immediate and profound, prompting reactions at the highest levels of India’s judiciary.
On Wednesday, Assam’s Opposition Leader Debabrata Saikia reached out directly to the Chief Justice of India (CJI), urging for suo motu cognizance against Sarma, arguing that the state administration was weaponizing official processes to disenfranchise particular communities. Two days later, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board joined in, officially condemning Sarma’s discourse as “anti-Muslim and dangerous” in a letter sent to both the CJI and President Droupadi Murmu. Activist Harsh Mander, alongside various political factions, has also filed police complaints against Sarma, accusing him of inciting hatred and promoting social discrimination.
Despite the mounting criticism, Sarma has remained resolute. He invoked a 2005 Supreme Court ruling regarding “demographic invasion,” insisting his comments aimed to protect against illegal immigration rather than target lawful citizens.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/01/31/cong-moves-cji-against-himanta-over-remarks-on-miya-muslims/
Category: REGIONAL
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Publish Date: 2026-01-31 03:59:00
