Hindutva Assam CM skips Muslim-majority seats, sparks concerns over inclusivity
Dispur: In a move drawing sharp criticism, the BJP Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, widely seen as a hardline Hindutva figure, has skipped campaigning in 25 Muslim-majority constituencies, boasting he doesn’t require their support in the state assembly elections this week.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the constituencies avoided by Sarma are home to large populations of Bengali-speaking Muslims. In a media interview, he remarked, “Should I ask for their votes? As of now, we are not thinking of taking those votes. That is why I have not even campaigned in 25 constituencies where Bengali-speaking Muslims have a large influence.”
The remarks have drawn attention, given that Muslims make up around 34% of the Assam’s population. Critics argue the statement raises serious concerns about representation and accountability, with the chief minister openly indicating a lack of outreach to a significant section of the electorate.
Political observers suggest that the move may reflect a calculated electoral strategy aimed at consolidating the Hindu vote. However, it has also intensified debate over inclusivity and the role of identity in democratic politics.
During his tenure, Sarma has seen several controversial measures and actions perceived to disproportionately impact Muslims. These include large-scale eviction drives in Muslim-populated under the guise of anti-encroachment operations, the implementation of policies targeting so-called “illegal immigrants,” which have raised concerns about profiling of Bengali-speaking Muslims, and rhetoric around demographic changes that opposition leaders and civil society groups say contributes to communal polarisation.
