Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday claimed that “Bangladeshi Muslims” could account for nearly 40 per cent of the state’s population in the upcoming Census, warning of what he described as an ongoing demographic shift in the northeastern state.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a government programme, Sarma said the next Census would bring “unfortunate news” for Assam.
“The Census will bring more unfortunate news for Assam. The number of Bangladeshi Muslims will touch nearly 40 per cent of the state’s population,” the chief minister said.
Claims of Long-Term Demographic Change
Sarma has repeatedly asserted that Assam has been witnessing a steady increase in the population of Muslims of Bangladeshi origin over the decades. In July last year, he had claimed that if the current growth trend continued, the Muslim population in Assam would almost equal the Hindu population by 2041.
According to the 2011 Census, Assam had a total population of 3.12 crore, comprising 1.07 crore Muslims (34.22 per cent) and 1.92 crore Hindus (61.47 per cent).
Census 2027 Timeline
The nationwide Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases. The houselisting and housing census is scheduled between April and September 2026, followed by population enumeration in February 2027. The decennial exercise was originally planned for 2021 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instructions to BJP Workers on Electoral Roll Revision
The chief minister also said that all BJP MLAs and booth-level agents (BLAs) in Assam have been instructed to flag “any doubtful person” during the ongoing Special Revision of electoral rolls in the state.
“We will try that all doubtful Miya Muslim votes are cut. I have instructed all MLAs and BLAs to flag any doubtful person and register complaints through the proper process,” Sarma said.
Rejection of Opposition Allegations
Responding to opposition allegations that names of voters not supporting the BJP were being deleted from the electoral rolls, Sarma rejected the charge and said there was a defined legal process for inclusion or exclusion.
“If Congress or any party thinks that eligible names have not been included, they can approach the authorities. However, the process is not by giving press conferences, but through filing the relevant forms,” he said.
Attack on Congress, Assembly Polls Ahead
Taking a swipe at the Congress, Sarma claimed the party had lost relevance in Assam.
“Except for the illegal Bangladeshis, which indigenous person will vote for Congress?” he asked.
He further asserted that the opposition would have little impact in the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, expected to be held in March–April, saying the BJP’s rivals were not active on the ground.
“When we were in the opposition, we were in the field day and night. They have already put up their arms,” he said.
On the BJP’s seat-sharing plans for the state polls, Sarma said a final decision would be taken by February 15.