Guwahati, July 18: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, challenging her to implement the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in her state if she genuinely cares for the Bengali community.
Speaking to reporters, Sarma said, “Mamata Banerjee should realise that Bengali Hindus are not only protected in Assam but have also been fully assimilated into the state’s broader social fabric. Today, they have their own ministers and MLAs and are contributing significantly in various fields.”
“They freely practice their language and religion, celebrate Durga Puja, and are an integral part of our society. Bengali is an associate official language in Assam—and in some areas, even the official language,” he added.
Sarma questioned Banerjee’s sincerity, asking, “If Mamata Banerjee really cares for Bengalis, why hasn’t she implemented the CAA in West Bengal?”
He further alleged, “Does she care for all Bengalis or only Muslim Bengalis? Her statements and actions suggest she is only interested in Muslim Bengalis.”
The sharp remarks came in response to Banerjee’s recent statement alleging harassment of Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled states. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo had taken to the streets in Kolkata on Wednesday, warning that protests would erupt nationwide if the targeting of Bengali migrant workers continued.
The war of words comes ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections in both West Bengal and Assam. With the two states run by rival parties, political attacks have begun to intensify.
Sarma also accused the TMC of attempting to expand its base in Assam, particularly in the Barak Valley where a significant number of Hindu Bengalis reside. However, he claimed the party has failed to win the trust of the community.
“The TMC is trying to field candidates in Barak Valley in the 2026 polls, but it will not be easy for a Bengal-based party to establish a foothold in Assam by challenging the BJP, which has been in power since 2016,” Sarma said.
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