Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam, claimed that the "Miya Muslim" group did not support him because of ideological disagreements and warned of a "demographic invasion" of the state.
Sarma stated at Agenda Aaj Tak on Thursday that no matter how many social programs are implemented for them, it does not result in votes for the BJP. Early in the upcoming year, Assam will have Assembly elections.
Himanta went on to say that he persisted in introducing those programs because he believed it was the government's responsibility.
The "Miya Muslims" of Assam are a group of Bengali-speaking Muslims who moved from modern-day Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) and lived mostly along the Brahmaputra riverine districts. They constituted an important part of the population and politics of the state.
"Many communities in Assam will not vote for us even if I gave them each one lakh. We refer to this group as the "Miya Muslim" community.
They personally tell me that the Chief Minister is excellent. I just heard someone say, "You have helped me so much that I can even donate a kidney to you if you ever need it."
I still won't vote for you, though. "They keep telling me that voting is an ideological decision," Himanta remarked at the India Today Group's main Hindi colloquium, Agenda Aaj Tak.
In Assam, the name "Miya" which originally meant "a gentleman" is used disparagingly to describe these Muslim settlers of Bengali descent.
Since the word has also provoked opposition from the community, many choose to identify as migrant Assamese Muslims or Muslims of Bengali heritage.
The Himanta-led BJP in Assam has frequently drawn comparisons between the Bengali-speaking "Miya community" and the native Muslims of the state's Muslim populations. The Assamese Assembly was elected in 2021, and the next election is scheduled for 2026.
Himanta added that community programs are still the responsibility of the government and do not ensure votes, which he described as a "simplistic assessment".
"Schemes are not the only reason votes are cast. However, we still need to come up with plans for them as a government; we need to take action.
However, Himanta stated at Agenda Aaj Tak that "thinking that we only get votes because of schemes is a very simplistic assessment."
He asserted that "Miya Muslim" people would not back him even if he given Rs 1 million. Himanta warned of a "demographic invasion" in the state at the conclave, claiming that other communities would be "finished" if the "Miya Muslim" population in the northeastern state surpassed 50%.
He continued by saying that decades of unrestrained migration have left the indigenous Assamese community in a state of existential catastrophe.
According to Sarma's statistical forecasts, Assam's Muslim population, which was anticipated to be approximately 38% in 2021, could reach 40% by 2027 because of a steady decadal growth rate of 4-5% since 1961.
He cautioned that others won't stay if the Muslim population surpasses 50%. "Only they will remain," Himanta declared. Himanta noted that the demographic balance might be preserved if he continues to serve as Assam's chief minister.
According to a 2023 India Today Digital report, Assam's "Miya Muslims" are Bengali-speaking migrants from modern-day Bangladesh who influence politics in more than 30 Assembly seats.
With 126 seats, it makes them a significant demographic group in the state. Nonetheless, discussions concerning the nomenclature of "Miya Muslims," their identity, migration, and indigenousness have persisted and continue to impact Assamese politics and society.
