Congress Leader Pawan Khera Criticizes Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Over Muslim Population Remarks

Congress leader Pawan Khera has criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his comments on the Muslim population in Assam. Khera accused Sarma of trying to divide people with false data. Khera said, “He is trying to divide people by showing false data. When he was in Congress, he did not work like this but since he is in BJP, I don’t know what has happened to his mind.”

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma had expressed concerns about the changing demography in Assam, stating that the Muslim population had increased from 12% in 1951 to 40% today. Sarma said, “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.”

Sarma also mentioned efforts to detect illegal immigrants and proposed a law to prevent exploitation of tribal daughters by illegal immigrants. He said, “Illegal immigrants are marrying tribal daughters, but due diligence of law is not happening. Our BJP will make a law to stop exploitation of anyone if a tribal daughter marries an illegal immigrant.”

On July 20, Sarma cited an analysis from a noted Assamese journalist, which showed how Assam could become a Muslim-majority state by 2051 if current trends persist. Sarma said, “Despite @INCIndia’s criticism, the data speaks for itself. Noted Assamese journalist @mrinaltalukdar8’s analysis shows how Assam could see a shift as a Muslim majority State by 2051 if current trends persist.”