National, Feb 7: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday strongly criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his recent remarks targeting “Miya Muslims”, describing the statements as unconstitutional, deeply divisive and a threat to India’s democratic principles.
Reacting sharply, Owaisi accused the chief minister of abandoning constitutional values in favour of prejudice and intimidation. Ridiculing Sarma’s comments, he said he felt like offering him “Rs 2 in alms”, suggesting that governance was being reduced to narrow-minded rhetoric. Owaisi asserted that the Constitution guarantees equality to all citizens, irrespective of religion or community, and said no chief minister has the authority to single out any group. He stressed that discrimination by those in power directly undermines constitutional governance.
The AIMIM leader alleged that Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam were being routinely blamed for unrelated issues and portrayed as outsiders. He claimed that members of the community were scapegoated for everything from economic problems to voting rights, with accusations of being pushed across the border narrative for political mileage. According to Owaisi, such rhetoric was aimed at stigmatising an entire community to consolidate votes.
Owaisi’s attack came in response to Sarma’s controversial remarks in which the chief minister openly spoke of acting against “Miya Muslims” and suggested that creating pressure on the community would force them to leave the state. The statements have triggered widespread criticism, especially as Assam heads into a politically sensitive period.
Opposition parties have accused the BJP of indulging in overt communal polarisation, warning that such language from a constitutional authority could inflame tensions and deepen social divides. Critics have termed the remarks unprecedented and dangerous in a pluralistic society.
The BJP, however, has defended its position by reiterating that its actions in Assam are directed at addressing illegal immigration and safeguarding indigenous interests. The issue of Bengali-speaking Muslims and alleged infiltration continues to be a central and contentious theme in Assam’s political discourse, shaping debates around identity, citizenship and electoral strategy.
