Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma has once again ignited political tensions with a series of highly controversial remarks. Speaking to journalists during a government function in Digboi, Tinsukia district, Sharma stated that the names of 400,000 to 500,000 so-called “Miya” voters would be removed from the state’s electoral rolls through a process known as Special Intensive Revision (SIR). He further asserted that, ideologically, this community should not vote in Assam but in neighbouring Bangladesh.
The term “Miya” is commonly used in Assam to refer to Bengali-speaking Muslims and carries a pejorative connotation. Sharma’s comments drew immediate condemnation from opposition parties. Akhil Gogoi, president of the Raijor Dal, criticised the chief minister, stating, “People did not elect him to put the Miya community under pressure.” Congress leader Aman Wadud added, “The Chief Minister has effectively rendered the Constitution in Assam null and void.”
Sharma reportedly claimed, “By ‘vote theft’ we mean attempting to take away some Miya votes. Our duty is to keep them in hardship.” He also suggested that measures would be taken under the electoral law to create obstacles preventing this community from voting in Assam.
The remarks follow the publication of Assam’s draft electoral rolls on 27 December 2025. The draft listed a total of 25.1 million voters and flagged deceased individuals, those who have moved elsewhere, and cases of duplicate entries.
| Voter Information | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Voters | 2,51,00,000 |
| Deceased Voters | 4,78,000 |
| Voters Relocated Elsewhere | 5,23,000 |
| Duplicate Entries | 53,619 |
| Verified Families | 61,00,000+ |
Last Sunday, opposition leaders submitted a memorandum to the Chief Electoral Officer, accusing the SIR process of being politically motivated, legally dubious, and harassment-oriented. They described it as arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional.
Himanta Biswa Sharma has previously faced widespread criticism for provocative statements concerning Bangladesh and Assam’s Muslim population. His latest comments have sparked renewed communal tension and political upheaval, raising concerns about the integrity and inclusiveness of the upcoming electoral process in Assam. Analysts warn that such statements could significantly influence voter sentiment and polarise communities ahead of elections.