Archive · 29 Jan 2026
Assam CM Sparks Row with 'Miya' Remarks
The Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has made some controversial statements about a group of people called 'Miyas', who are Bengali-speaking Muslims.
The Chief Minister has said that he wants to 'trouble' the Miyas to make them leave Assam.
The opposition Congress party and some civil society groups say that this is unfair and that the Chief Minister is trying to target and discriminate against a particular community.
They also say that the process of revising the voters' list is being misused to remove the names of Miyas from the list.
The Chief Minister, however, says that he is only trying to protect Assam's indigenous culture and demographics from alleged illegal immigration.
The opposition has written to the Chief Justice of India, asking for judicial intervention into the matter.
The Gauhati High Court has also listed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking judicial intervention into the alleged misuse of objections during the Special Revision of electoral rolls.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has made controversial remarks about 'Miya' Muslims, encouraging BJP workers to 'trouble' them to drive them out of Assam.
The opposition Congress and civil society groups allege that the Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls is being misused to target and disenfranchise Bengali-speaking Muslims.
The Chief Minister has asked BJP workers to file bulk 'form 7' complaints against Miyas during the SR exercise, which is meant to identify and remove illegal immigrants from the voters' list.
The opposition has written to the Chief Justice of India, urging suo motu cognizance of the misuse of the SR process, claiming that it is being used as a tool for communal targeting and voter suppression.
The Gauhati High Court has listed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking judicial intervention into the alleged large-scale misuse of objections during the SR of electoral rolls.
- Who
- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Opposition Congress
- What
- Controversy over the use of the term 'Miya' and the Special Revision of electoral rolls in Assam
- When
- January 28
- Where
- Assam, India
- Why
- Allegations of communal targeting and misuse of the electoral revision process to disenfranchise a particular community
BJP and Assam Government
Opposition Congress and Civil Society Groups
Use of 'Miya' Term
BJP and Assam Government
The term 'Miya' is used to refer to Bangladeshi-origin Muslims who are alleged to have illegally migrated to Assam. The BJP argues that these migrants are infiltrators and a threat to Assam's indigenous culture and demographics.
Opposition Congress and Civil Society Groups
The term 'Miya' is seen as a derogatory label used to target and marginalize Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam, including those who are Indian citizens. The opposition argues that this is a form of communal targeting and discrimination.
Special Revision of Electoral Rolls
BJP and Assam Government
The BJP claims that the Special Revision (SR) is necessary to identify and remove illegal immigrants from the voters' list. The party has encouraged its workers to file complaints against suspected foreigners to ensure the electoral rolls are accurate.
Opposition Congress and Civil Society Groups
The opposition Congress and civil society groups allege that the SR is being misused to target and disenfranchise Bengali-speaking Muslims. They claim that the process is being politicized and used as a tool for communal targeting and voter suppression.
Polarizing Statements by CM
BJP and Assam Government
The BJP argues that the Chief Minister's statements are aimed at protecting Assam's indigenous culture and demographics from alleged illegal immigration. The party claims that these statements are not against any community but are directed at those who are suspected to be illegal immigrants.
Opposition Congress and Civil Society Groups
The opposition and civil society groups argue that the Chief Minister's statements are divisive and communal. They claim that these statements are aimed at targeting and marginalizing a particular community and are a violation of the Constitution and the rule of law.
- Protest Location
- Boko–Chaygaon Sub-Divisional Commissioner's office
- Protest Organizer
- Opposition Congress
- Issue
- Alleged vote theft through Special Revision (SR)
- Voter Increase
- 1.35%
- Total Electors
- 2,52,01,624
- Additions
- 7,86,841
- Deletions
- 4,47,196
- Final Rolls Date
- February 10
- Complaints Filed
- Over five lakh
- Form 7
- Used for raising objections to the inclusion of a name on the voter list
Sources
Assam Cong protests ‘vote theft’ through SR, slams Himanta
Assam CM Himanta's 'Miya' Remark and the Normalisation of Targeted Pressure
CEC-Mamata meeting on Monday evening
Controversy erupts over special revision of electoral rolls in Goalpara
ECI order to train home secretary as observer sparks political row
Himanta Sarma's "Trouble Miyas" Remark Sparks Row, Congress's Court Move
Congress gheraos Boko-Chhaygaon CDC office over alleged vote theft
Additional 1.5 lakh voters to get hearing call in West Burdwan: DM
‘Miya’ row: Assam CM defends usage, denies communal intent, cites 2005 SC ruling
I Have Not Invented Miya Word, It Is Bangladeshi Immigrants Who Calls Themselves Miya: Assam CM
Before he undermines his office, Himanta Biswa Sarma should read this Premchand short story
‘Sue me if false’: CM Sarma ups ante against Gogoi ahead of Feb 8 Pak link reveal
Those attacking me on ‘Miya’ comment should read SC order, says Himanta
AIUDF protests alleged voter roll lapses in Dhubri, submits memo
Those attacking me on ‘Miya’ comment should read SC order: Himanta
Hire Assamese Workers, Not 'Miya Muslims', Himanta Sarma Tells Contractors
Under fire for 'miya' comment, Himanta cites SC verdict on 'demographic invasion'
Miyas coming before 1951 can work in Assam, PWD to engage 50pc locals in future works: Himanta
