Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing the party of weakening Assamese identity and self-respect by staying silent on what he termed “highly dangerous and objectionable” remarks made by Rejaul Karim Sarkar, a former All Assam Minority Students’ Union (AAMSU) leader. Rejaul Karim resigned from the Congress just 60 hours after joining the party.
Speaking on the controversy that has dominated public debate over the past week, Sarma said there was no objection to individuals joining or supporting the Congress, calling it a matter of personal political choice. However, he maintained that the issue took a serious turn when Rejaul Karim, on the very day he joined the party, made statements comparing Assam’s historically and culturally significant districts with Dhubri.
The Chief Minister said Rejaul Karim’s claim that districts like Jorhat, Tinsukia and Sivasagar would be turned into Dhubri—and vice versa—was provocative and reflected a flawed understanding of Assam’s demographic and cultural realities.
While stressing that development of Dhubri is desirable, Sarma said equating it with Sivasagar was unacceptable. He alleged that around 80 per cent of Dhubri’s population comprises migrants from Bangladesh who arrived at different times, some of whom later obtained Indian citizenship, leading to what he described as a steady dilution of Assamese identity in the district.
Highlighting Sivasagar’s importance, the Chief Minister described it as the heart of Assamese civilisation. He referred to the district’s historical and cultural legacy, including the origins of the Ahom kingdom under Swargadeo Chaolung Sukapha, the influence of Srimanta Sankardev, the Assamese language renaissance, the launch of the Arunoday welfare scheme, and the Charaideo Maidams’ recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“How can Sivasagar ever be compared with Dhubri?” Sarma asked, calling such statements irresponsible and inflammatory.
The Chief Minister also expressed concern over Rejaul Karim’s alleged remarks on “education jihad” and claims that future Deputy Commissioners of key Assam districts would be from Bangladesh, warning that such comments could endanger social harmony and national security.
Sarma questioned why Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, who was present on the stage during the speech, did not immediately object or distance the party from the remarks. He said the Congress should have expelled Rejaul Karim instead of allowing him to resign, which, he claimed, enabled him to gain sympathy and prominence.
“By remaining silent, the Congress leadership allowed him to project himself as a hero, at the cost of Assamese culture, pride and dignity,” Sarma alleged.
Recalling an earlier controversy, the Chief Minister also referred to claims that a Congress leader had suggested reserving Assembly seats for minority communities. He reiterated that reservations based on religion are unconstitutional and questioned the Congress over the lack of visible action despite promises of issuing a show-cause notice.
Sarma further reiterated his allegations about purported links between a sitting Assam MP and Pakistan, stating that documentary evidence would be placed before the public before the end of the month. He warned that appeasement politics combined with alleged foreign connections posed a serious threat to Assam’s future.
Concluding his remarks, the Chief Minister said Assam’s indigenous communities have endured numerous challenges and remain determined to protect their identity and sovereignty. He expressed confidence that the people of Assam would support those working to safeguard the state’s cultural and national interests.