Concerns Over Demographic Changes in Assam Raised by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma

Chief Minister's Warnings on Population Growth

On Saturday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his worries regarding demographic shifts in Assam, predicting that the population of Bangladeshi-origin Muslims could reach nearly 40 percent by the time the census report is released in 2027. Sarma made these remarks during a meeting of the core committee of the Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He emphasized that efforts to remove infiltrators from Assam would continue as a 'strong message' to Bangladesh. Furthermore, he accused the Congress party of supporting these infiltrators, asserting that they are unaware that if the population of Bangladeshi Muslims exceeds 50 percent, they could 'take over the state.'

Census Data and Future Projections

According to Sarma, the 2011 census indicated that Muslims constituted 34 percent of Assam's population. He noted that if we exclude three percent of Assamese Muslims, the Bangladeshi-origin Muslim population would account for 31 percent. With no census conducted in 2021, he warned that the upcoming census in 2027 would likely show that the Bangladeshi-origin Muslim population has surged to approximately 40 percent. This is not the first time Sarma has raised alarms about demographic changes; just days earlier, he cautioned that a 10 percent increase in the number of migrants could result in Assam becoming part of Bangladesh.

Responses from Bangladeshi Leaders

Sarma reiterated that if the Bangladeshi-origin population reaches 40 percent and increases by another 10 percent, Assam could effectively merge with Bangladesh. He has been vocal about this issue for the past five years. Recently, several Bangladeshi leaders have issued statements against isolating India's northeastern region. Earlier this month, leader Hasanat Abdullah supported separatist elements in the northeast, claiming that if India attempts to destabilize Bangladesh, Dhaka would retaliate by isolating the northeast. Abdullah also stated that the region is 'weak' due to its heavy reliance on the 'Siliguri Corridor.'