Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, expressed a lack of anticipation for votes from the "Miya Muslims" and revealed his avoidance of visiting medical colleges where they constitute a significant portion.
During a media interaction in Guwahati, Himanta Sarma conveyed his disinterest in receiving votes from 'Miya Muslims' and disclosed his reluctance to visit medical colleges due to the presence of a substantial Miya Muslim population.
The term 'Miya' is often employed as a derogatory label for Bengali-speaking or Bengal-origin Muslims in the state of Assam.
Himanta Sarma articulated, "I don't anticipate receiving votes from Miya Muslims. I refrain from visiting medical colleges because Miya Muslims are in greater numbers."
Furthermore, he emphasized his and his party's dedication to the development of the indigenous Muslim community within the state.
"We are committed to the progress of the indigenous Muslim population of Assam. My expectations for votes from the Muslim community are limited to the indigenous Muslims of Assam. It is disheartening that Miya Muslims outnumber our indigenous youth in almost every medical college. Consequently, I have reduced my visits to these institutions," he remarked.
The Chief Minister also alleged that the Congress and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) have cultivated a "votes-based relationship" with the Muslim community in Assam. He claimed that over the years, they have solicited votes by fostering an "atmosphere of fear."
Sarma accused both political parties of seeking votes from migrants but failing to undertake any measures for their advancement or to enhance the infrastructure in areas inhabited by this demographic. He asserted that they have not constructed roads, bridges, schools, or colleges to benefit this population.
"As a preliminary step, we have initiated efforts to ameliorate the living conditions of the indigenous Assamese Muslim community, and a comprehensive survey will be conducted in due course," he affirmed.
In response to Himanta Sarma's statements, Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, the leader of the Assam-based All India United Democratic Front and Member of Parliament representing Dhubri, contended that the absence of Miya Muslims from the workforce would render Guwahati a desolate place.
He asserted, "If Miya Muslims cease working for three days in Guwahati, the city will transform into a ghost town."
During the press conference, the Assam Chief Minister also addressed the visit of Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, who is currently on a three-day visit to the state and is scheduled to depart for New Delhi on Sunday.
He expressed immense pride in the fact that Bhutan's King, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, has chosen to visit Assam, fostering hope and aspirations between the two nations.
"Bhutan is our neighboring country, but this marks the first instance of a reigning monarch visiting our state. We are optimistic that this visit will set the stage for future state visits from numerous other nations," he proclaimed.
