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Assam CM: BJP Balances Identity Politics & Development to Protect Indigenous People

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the BJP government simultaneously pursues identity politics and development to safeguard the state's indigenous people. He emphasized that unchecked infiltration from Bangladesh has altered Assam's demography and threatens the Assamese community's existence. The CM detailed a stricter policy of immediately pushing back detected infiltrators, approved by the Supreme Court, rather than relying on prolonged diplomatic processes. Sarma also called for vigilance against 'Love Jihad' and proposed banning beef sales in Hindu-majority areas to protect local sentiments.

Key Points: Assam CM on BJP's Dual Strategy: Identity Politics & Development

  • Protecting indigenous communities
  • Pushing back infiltrators
  • Addressing demographic change
  • Combating 'Love Jihad'
2 min read

BJP does development, identity politics simultaneously to protect indigenous people: Assam CM

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma explains BJP's approach: combining identity politics with development to protect indigenous communities from infiltration and cultural threats.

BJP does development, identity politics simultaneously to protect indigenous people: Assam CM
"If we cannot protect the rights of indigenous people, then all the development initiatives will eventually go in vain. – Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, Jan 1

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday asserted that the BJP government has been doing identity politics and development simultaneously to protect the indigenous people of the state, adding that the ruling dispensation has taken a strong stand to push back infiltrators from Bangladesh.

Speaking to reporters here, CM Sarma said, "We have prioritised to protect our indigenous community from infiltrators. The demography of Assam has largely changed due to large-scale infiltration in the last few decades, and it has threatened the existence of Assamese people in many areas. If we cannot protect the rights of indigenous people, then all the development initiatives will eventually go in vain, and that is why we have taken a firm stand to check the infiltration from Bangladesh."

The Chief Minister mentioned that the government has been pushing back the infiltrators once they are detected on Indian soil.

"Earlier, we used to write to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for taking action following the detection of infiltrators in our territory. Then the MEA had to inform the Bangladesh government to take back those infiltrators; however, such cases used to be kept pending for a long time due to the lack of response from the neighbouring country. This stance of the Indian government has changed, and now we are pushing back the infiltrators immediately. The Supreme Court has approved this decision," he added.

CM Sarma also mentioned that there must be strong vigilance so that no Assamese girl should fall prey to Love Jihad, and indigenous Assamese Muslims must oppose this kind of act.

He also said, "In Dhubri, during Eid celebrations last year, at least 20,000 kgs of beef were sold, and this has in turn hurt the sentiments of Hindu citizens. I believe that the selling of beef must be completely prohibited in the Hindu majority localities."

Notably, the Chief Minister has repeatedly maintained that infiltration poses a serious threat to Assam's demographic balance, social harmony and internal security. He said the state government is committed to safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities and enforcing the law without compromise.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While protecting indigenous identity is important, the language used about 'Love Jihad' and beef sales feels divisive. Development should uplift everyone, not create more social fault lines. We need unity in diversity.
R
Rohit P
The border issue is complex but national security is paramount. If the Supreme Court has approved the push-back policy, then it's within the legal framework. Hope the focus on development continues alongside.
S
Sarah B
As someone from outside Assam, it's concerning to hear about demographic threats. Every state's unique culture should be preserved. But the beef ban comment seems like mixing religion with governance?
K
Karthik V
Strong stance! Infiltration has been a problem for decades, affecting resources and jobs for locals. The government is right to prioritize its own citizens. Jai Assam! 🇮🇳
M
Meera T
The part about indigenous Assamese Muslims being asked to oppose 'Love Jihad' puts them in a difficult position. Can't we have policies that protect without alienating communities within the state?

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