Why Himanta Biswa Sarma says he feels ‘bad’ for Miya community in Assam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 5 launched a sharp attack on the Congress party, alleging that it is collecting large sums of money in exchange for electoral tickets in Assembly constituencies dominated by a particular minority community. 

Sarma claimed that Congress leaders are demanding between Rs 3 crore and Rs 5 crore per ticket in as many as 22 to 23 constituencies and said details of related complaints and accusations would become public in the coming days.

Addressing a public gathering, the Chief Minister said he felt “deeply saddened” for the Miya community involved, alleging that its members are being doubly exploited by the Congress—first through votes and then through financial contributions. 

“They give votes to the Congress and they are also forced to give money. It is their misfortune,” Sarma said, adding that some leaders were allegedly collecting money even to finance personal events such as weddings.

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Sarma further accused the Congress of abandoning the same community during times of crisis, particularly during eviction drives. Referring to ongoing eviction operations in Tezpur, the Chief Minister said the Congress has failed to stand by people affected by government action. “Even today, there is eviction in Tezpur and the Congress party does not help,” he said.

Announcing a major enforcement action, Sarma stated that authorities would evict encroachments from nearly 5,000 bighas of land in the Tezpur area as part of the government’s land-clearing drive. He reiterated that despite repeated claims of championing minority interests, the Congress does not provide support when the community faces eviction or legal action.

The Chief Minister maintained that his criticism stemmed from concern rather than politics. “I genuinely feel bad for the Miya community. They are asked to give money, they are asked to give votes, and when trouble comes, the Congress does not stand with them,” Sarma said.

The Congress has not yet responded to Sarma’s allegations.