2027 Census will bring bad news for Assam: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 8 cautioned that the 2027 Census could bring “disturbing revelations” for Assam, claiming that nearly 40 per cent of the state’s population could be of Bangladeshi origin.

The Chief Minister’s remarks come days after his December 30 statement on population growth patterns, where he urged Hindu families living in areas where they are a minority, or close to becoming one, to consider having more than one child. Sarma said the appeal was aimed at preventing demographic imbalance and ensuring long-term social continuity in such regions.

Taking to social media and later elaborating his views while addressing the media, Sarma expressed concern over uneven birth rates among different communities. He asserted that in several parts of Assam, the Muslim population continues to record higher birth rates, while the Hindu birth rate is witnessing a gradual decline.

According to the Chief Minister, if the trend remains unchecked, it could have serious long-term social and demographic implications. He maintained that the issue was not merely political but related to the future social structure of certain regions.

“In areas where the Hindu community has already become a minority or is on the verge of becoming one, families should not limit themselves to a single child,” Sarma said. He further suggested that families should ideally have at least two children, and if possible, three, framing the appeal as a matter of family continuity and social sustainability.