Archive · 1 Feb 2026
Assam CM Pushes Hardline Stance on Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants
Some leaders in Assam, like Himanta Biswa Sarma and Pravin Togadia, are saying that many people from Bangladesh are coming to Assam illegally.
They think this is changing the way Assam looks and is using up its resources.
They want the government to do things like check people's citizenship with DNA tests and send those who are not from India to special places called detention centers.
Other leaders, like Rahul Gandhi, are saying this is not a good way to talk and could make some people in Assam feel left out.
They think the leaders should focus more on things like jobs and schools instead.
Everyone is waiting to see if this will help or hurt the leaders when people vote next time.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma adopts an aggressive stance on illegal Bangladeshis in the state.
Sarma states that the term 'Miya' directly means 'Bangladeshi infiltrator' and vows to drive them out.
He challenges the opposition, including Rahul Gandhi, stating that even 1,000 Rahul Gandhis cannot stop his campaign.
Sarma emphasizes that infiltration threatens Assam’s cultural identity and the rights of its indigenous population.
Opposition leaders condemn the rhetoric, viewing it as divisive and potentially alienating to Bengali-speaking and Muslim communities.
- Who
- Himanta Biswa Sarma, Rahul Gandhi, Pravin Togadia, and opposition leaders in Assam
- What
- Debate over illegal immigration from Bangladesh and its impact on Assam's demographics and resources
- When
- Recent statements made in January 2026, ahead of the 2026 elections
- Where
- Assam, India, with potential implications for neighboring West Bengal
- Why
- BJP leaders aim to consolidate their voter base by addressing illegal migration, while opposition leaders criticize the rhetoric as divisive
- Key Figures
- Himanta Biswa Sarma, Rahul Gandhi, Pravin Togadia
- Demands by Leaders
- Cancellation of ration cards, strict enforcement of laws, establishment of detention centers, DNA testing for citizenship verification
- BJP Claims
- 64 lakh 'infiltrators' in Assam, 1.26 lakh acres of land freed from encroachment
- Opposition Response
- Condemnation of remarks, demand for apology, criticism of divisive rhetoric
- Potential Electoral Impact
- Risk of alienating Muslim and Bengali-speaking voters, potential consolidation of core BJP support
Sources
In poll-bound Assam, migration, polarisation shape BJP’s strategy
Togadia pushes NRC, DNA tests in Assam to weed out ‘illegal immigrants’
Assam CM hits back at Harsh Mander, threatens 100 cases after police complaint
Himanta Sarma’s remarks about ‘Miyas’ prejudicial and ‘alarmingly hateful’, say activists, lawyers
“Even 1,000 Rahul Gandhis can’t stop me’: Himanta Biswa Sarma takes a hard line on illegal Bangladeshis, says ‘Miyan’ infiltrators will have to leave Assam
'Life And Death Fight For Assam': Himanta Sarma Raises Pitch On "Miya" Row
Himanta Sarma’s remarks about ‘Miyas’ make a mockery of Constitution
