Assam CM Targets ‘Miya’ Voters, Advises Bangladesh Ballots

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sparked a fresh political firestorm after suggesting that 400,000 to 500,000 so-called ‘Miya’ voters in the state should ideally vote in Bangladesh rather than India. His remarks, made during a government event in Digboi, Tinsukia district on Tuesday, drew sharp criticism from opposition parties across Assam.

Speaking to reporters, Sarma emphasised that his goal was to “make life difficult” for the Miya community, a term often used pejoratively for Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam, many of whom are labelled as “Bangladeshi” by locals.

“Vote theft means we are trying to take some Miya votes. Ideally, they should be voting in Bangladesh, not Assam,” Sarma said, referring to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in the state.

When asked about notices sent to thousands of Bengali-speaking Muslims during the ‘claims and objections’ phase of the voter list revision, Sarma replied, “We are ensuring that they do not get to vote in Assam.”

The Election Commission of India is currently conducting the Special Intensive Revision in 12 states and union territories, with Assam undergoing the process similar to its general voter list update. Sarma appeared unfazed by opposition reactions, stating, “This revision (SIR) is only preliminary. When the SIR fully begins, 400,000–500,000 Miya votes will have to be excluded.”

He reiterated previous controversial claims that the BJP-led government would create legal “disruptions” for this community while remaining within the framework of the law. “Congress can criticise me all they want. My duty is to make life difficult for the Miya community,” he said.

Opposition leaders swiftly condemned his comments. Akhil Gogoi, legislator and president of the Raijor Dal, stated, “The people did not elect him to pressure a community.” Congress leader Aman Wadud added, “The Chief Minister has completely undermined the Constitution in Assam.”

According to the draft electoral roll released on 27 December 2025, Assam has a total of 25.1 million registered voters. Of these, 478,000 are deceased and 523,000 have moved elsewhere; 53,619 duplicate entries have also been removed. Verification has been completed for over 6.1 million households.

The controversy escalated after six opposition parties—including Congress, Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad, CPI, and CPI-M—submitted a memorandum to Assam’s Chief Electoral Officer on Sunday, alleging widespread legal violations, political interference, and harassment of legitimate voters under the guise of voter list revision.

Sarma’s latest statements add to his history of contentious remarks regarding Bangladesh and the Muslim community, further intensifying tensions ahead of elections in Assam.