Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sounded the alarm over what he described as a growing demographic shift in parts of the state, warning that Hindus have become a minority in the historic town of Goalpara. The Chief Minister made the remarks during a public address on Thursday, intensifying the debate around illegal immigration and land encroachment — issues that have long shaped the political and social discourse in Assam. Sarma, known for his assertive stance on migration-related issues, alleged that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were to lose power in the state, illegal Muslim encroachers would be emboldened to settle indiscriminately. “If BJP is removed from power, illegal Muslim immigrants will begin settling anywhere and everywhere,” he claimed, warning of serious consequences for Assam’s social fabric.
He further stated that BJP’s tenure has played a pivotal role in beginning to correct what he called “demographic imbalances” in districts such as Lumding and Barsala. “You would be astonished to know the actual number of illegal immigrants already present in Assam,” Sarma remarked. “Without the BJP, restoring Assam’s demographic balance would have been impossible.” The Chief Minister singled out Goalpara town as an area of serious concern. Known historically as a centre of ancient Hindu civilisation, Goalpara has reportedly seen significant demographic changes in recent years.
According to Sarma, nearly 10,000 to 12,000 illegal Muslim immigrants from Baghbor have illegally settled on Rakhyasini Hill, a development he claims has contributed to making Hindus a minority in the region. “These settlers are not just changing the cultural character of Goalpara, but also posing long-term risks to local resources and security,” he said.