In a heated assembly session on Tuesday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made controversial remarks, saying that he would take sides and not allow ‘Miya’ Muslims to take over Assam. His statement came during a discussion on adjournment motions brought by opposition parties to address the law and order situation in the state, particularly in the wake of a recent rape case involving a 14-year-old girl in Nagaon.
Responding to accusations of being partisan, Sarma said, “I will take sides. What can you do about it?” He further questioned why people from Lower Assam should move to Upper Assam, insinuating that it could lead to ‘Miya’ Muslims taking control of the region. “We won’t let it happen,” he said.
Sarma’s remarks follow comments made by opposition MLA Akhil Gogoi, who recently accused the BJP of attempting to recreate the 2002 Gujarat riots in Assam. Gogoi had raised concerns about reports suggesting that certain organizations were allegedly threatening ‘Miya’ Muslims in Upper Assam, urging them to leave the area.
The session quickly escalated into a heated debate, with members from both the ruling and opposition benches storming into the Well of the House. The uproar led Speaker Biswajit Daimary to adjourn the proceedings for 10 minutes.
The adjournment motions were moved by MLAs from the Congress, AIUDF, CPI(M), and Independent legislator Akhil Gogoi. They sought to discuss the increasing crime rate in the state, particularly crimes against women.
Sarma’s comments have sparked a backlash, with critics accusing him of deepening communal divides in the state.
