Guwahati, Jan 31: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has triggered fresh political controversy following his remarks using the term “Miya” while attacking political opponents and what he described as illegal infiltration.
Addressing a public gathering, Sarma alleged that those he referred to as “Miya” had become “frantic” and accused them of reacting selectively to criticism.
He claimed that protests erupt whenever remarks are made against “Miya,” but alleged there is silence when indigenous Assamese people are targeted or harmed.
Clarifying his statement, the Chief Minister said that by “Miya” he was referring to Bangladeshi infiltrators and not to any community by birth.
He further alleged that such infiltrators aim to “turn the entire world into Miya” and accused them of being intolerant to criticism.
Launching a sharp political attack, Sarma accused senior Congress leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi and other Indian National Congress members, of being “obsessed” with what he termed the “ghost of Miya politics.”
He alleged that the opposition was indulging in appeasement politics ahead of elections.
The Chief Minister further asserted that those he referred to would not respect the life, death, or dignity of Assamese people.
The remarks have drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties and civil society groups, who accused the Chief Minister of using divisive and inflammatory language.
The BJP, however, maintained that Sarma’s comments were directed solely at illegal infiltration and not at any legitimate community.
Targeting social activist Harsh Mander, Sarma said, “Who is this Harsh Mander? I have seen many people like Harsh Mander in my life. Such people came to Assam and destroyed the NRC. If I had been in power then, I would have taught Harsh Mander a lesson. Even now, a case has been filed against me—you can see that. That is why I have material against Harsh Mander; there are grounds to file a case against him.”
