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Key Points

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a significant reduction in doubtful voter cases for Bengali Hindus. He stated that the number has dropped from two lakh to just 25,000 in court records over five years. The Supreme Court's recognition of pre-1971 residents as full Indian citizens has been crucial in resolving these cases. Sarma also predicted that these changes will make the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections particularly interesting.

Key Points: Assam CM Sarma Says Only 25000 D-Voters Left From 2 Lakh Bengali Hindus

  • D-voter cases for Bengali Hindus drastically reduced from 2 lakh to 25,000
  • Supreme Court recognizes pre-1971 Assam residents as 100% Indian citizens
  • CM predicts 2026 Assembly elections will be interesting due to voter status changes
  • Foreigner Tribunals handle ongoing doubtful voter cases in Assam
2 min read

Only 25,000 doubtful voters in courts out of 2 lakh Bengali Hindus: Assam CM

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma reveals D-voter cases for Bengali Hindus dropped from 2 lakh to 25,000, citing Supreme Court's 1971 residence recognition as proof of Indian citizenship.

"Nearly two lakh people have been almost wiped out in five years. - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Baksa, September 19

The Bengali Hindus marked as doubtful voters (D-voters) in Assam have reduced from two lakhs to 25,000 in court records, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the Assam CM said that the Supreme Court recognises people residing in Assam before 1971, the cut-off year in the Assam Accord, as "100 per cent Indians".

He said, "There is an issue with D-voters. In Assam, there were two lakh Bengali Hindus, but now only 25 thousand remain in court records. Nearly two lakh people have been almost wiped out in five years."

He added that the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam, due in 2026, would be "interesting" amid Bengali Hindus being pulled out of the D-voters' category.

"The next election might be much more interesting because most Bengali Hindus are winning in court. They have only been issued 1971 refugee certificates; otherwise, they were given camper certificates."

"I have seen the tribunal order stating that no Bengali Hindu people have been declared foreigners, because everyone was very doubtful before. The Supreme Court has confirmed that the residence before 1971 makes these people 100 per cent Indian," he added.

Doubtful voters are an ongoing issue in Assam for years, and the cases regarding this are heard in the Foreigner Tribunals.

Meanwhile, Himanta Biswa Sarma held rallies in Baksa, Tamulpur and Udalguri ahead of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) polls on September 22.

"Extremely strong support across various constituencies in Baksa, Tamulpur and Udalguri today. @BJP4Assam is a strong contender in the #BTCPolls this time, and the on-ground feedback I am receiving is very encouraging. Come 22nd, the people will decisively vote for the BJP," the Assam CM wrote on X.

According to the State Election Commission, the polling will take place in the 40 General Council Constituencies of the Bodoland Territorial Council.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the progress, why did it take so many years to resolve? Many families suffered unnecessarily due to this D-voter tag. The system needs to be more efficient in handling such sensitive matters.
A
Aman W
Good to see clarity emerging on this issue. The 1971 cutoff is constitutionally sound and should be applied uniformly. Hope the remaining 25,000 cases are resolved quickly without political interference.
S
Sarah B
As someone from outside Assam, it's concerning how complex citizenship issues can become. The Supreme Court's intervention was much needed to provide clarity and justice to genuine residents.
V
Vikram M
The timing before elections feels political, but the outcome is good for Assam's social harmony. Bengali Hindus have contributed significantly to Assam's culture and economy. They deserve their rightful place as citizens 🇮🇳
N
Nisha Z
Hope this brings closure to many families who lived in uncertainty for years. The legal process should now focus on the genuine cases while ensuring no Indian citizen is harassed unnecessarily.

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