Hyderabad (Telangana): Launching a scathing attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his remarks on the Muslim population in the state, Congress leader Pawan Khera said on Sunday that CM Sarma is trying to divide people by showing false data.
“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,” Khera said.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on July 17 reiterated his concerns regarding the issue of “changing demography,” and said it is a matter of “life and death” for him.
Citing some data, Sarma said that Muslim population was 12 per cent in 1951 and has now reached 40 per cent.
“Changing demography is a big issue for me. In Assam, the Muslim population has reached 40 per cent today. In 1951, it was 12 per cent,” the Assam CM said.
“We have lost many districts. This is not a political issue for me. It is a matter of life and death for me,” said Sarma, explaining his government’s efforts to detect illegal immigrants,” he added.
The Chief Minister alleged that ‘illegal immigrants’ are marrying tribal girls without following due process.
“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,” CM Sarma said.
On July 20, Himanta Biswa Sarma cited an analysis from a “noted Assamese journalist,” which showed how Assam witnessed a shift in becoming a Muslim-majority State by 2051.
“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,” Sarma said in a post on ‘X’.