Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Assam CM Warns of Rising Bangladeshi Muslim Population
The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, said that Muslims from Bangladesh could make up nearly 40% of Assam’s population in the next Census.
He believes this is because the number of Bangladeshi Muslims in Assam has been increasing over the years.
The next Census is planned for 2027.
Sarma also talked about a process called the Special Revision of electoral rolls, where the government is checking to make sure only real Indian citizens are on the voter list.
The BJP, which has been in power since 2016, says this is important for fair elections.
However, opposition parties like the Congress and TMC say the BJP is using this process to remove the names of genuine voters, especially from minority groups.
The BJP denies these allegations and says the opposition should follow the official process if they have any complaints.
The Assembly elections in Assam are expected to happen in March or April.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claims that Muslims of Bangladeshi origin could make up nearly 40% of Assam’s population in the next Census.
The next nationwide Census, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will now be conducted in 2027.
The BJP-led government is conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to ensure only genuine Indian citizens are on the voter list.
Opposition parties allege that the BJP is using the SIR process to target and remove the names of genuine voters, particularly from minority groups.
The BJP denies these allegations and says the opposition should follow the official process if they have any complaints.
- Who
- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP-led government
- What
- Claimed that Muslims of Bangladeshi origin could make up nearly 40% of Assam’s population in the next Census and discussed the ongoing Special Revision of electoral rolls
- When
- Thursday (specific date not mentioned), ahead of the Assembly polls likely in March-April
- Where
- Assam, India
- Why
- To highlight demographic changes and ensure a fair electoral process, according to the BJP
BJP
Opposition Parties (Congress, TMC)
Electoral Roll Revision
BJP
The BJP supports the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to ensure only genuine Indian citizens are on the voter list, claiming it is essential for a fair electoral process.
Opposition Parties (Congress, TMC)
Opposition parties allege that the BJP is using the SIR process to target and remove the names of genuine voters, particularly from the Matua community and other minority groups.
Treatment of Migrant Workers
BJP
The BJP denies allegations of branding Bengali-speaking migrants as Bangladeshis and asserts that the SIR process is necessary to ensure only genuine Indian citizens are on the voter list.
Opposition Parties (Congress, TMC)
Opposition parties accuse the BJP of harassing Bengali-speaking migrant workers and branding them as Bangladeshis, alleging a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise and intimidate them.
- Current Muslim Population (2011 Census)
- 34.22%
- Current Hindu Population (2011 Census)
- 61.47%
- Projected Muslim Population
- Nearly 40% (as per CM's claim)
- Next Census Date
- 2027
- Special Revision of Electoral Rolls
- Ongoing process to identify and report doubtful persons
- Expected Election Period
- March-April
- BJP in Power Since
- 2016
- BJP Seat-Sharing Decision Deadline
- February 15
Sources
Assam CM promises free sugar daal salt for ration card holders before polls - Telegraph India
Abhishek blames BJP for branding Bengali migrants as Bangladeshis
BJP seeks special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Assam
Congress has lost mass base, irrelevant in Assam: CM Sarma ahead of 2026 polls
Assam polls 2026: CM names Lakhimpur, Dhakuakhana picks; seat-sharing by Feb 15
'Bangladeshi Muslims' to touch 40% of Assam population: Himanta
Bangladeshi Muslims To Hit 40% Of Assam Population In Census: Himanta Sarma
