"Benefits for all, no discrimination in distribution of schemes": Women beneficiaries praise Assam CM's welfare policies

Women beneficiaries hailed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's welfare policies stating that the government showed no discrimination on basis of religion while distributing the welfare schemes.

 

Speaking to the media, the women from the minority community addressed the ongoing political discourse surrounding the term “Miya,” a word that has often drawn controversy in the state’s socio-political landscape. They suggested that the narrative may not necessarily be directed at the broader Muslim community, pointing instead to the government’s record of delivering schemes without religious discrimination.

 

“Himanta Biswa Sarma might be using the term ‘Miya Miya’ out of affection. If he had not, then why are the benefits being distributed equally, despite their religious identity?” one of the woman beneficiary remarked.

 

The women beneficiaries further emphasized that the Chief Minister has never publicly indicated that government benefits would be restricted along religious lines. According to them, welfare schemes and state assistance have been extended uniformly to both Hindu and Muslim communities, reinforcing a perception of balanced governance.

 

The women also conveyed a strong political preference ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, stating that many Muslim women would like to see Sarma continue as Chief Minister. This sentiment, they noted, is not confined to one community alone. In Kaliabor, women from both Hindu and Muslim backgrounds reportedly share similar views regarding his leadership.

 

Expressing overall satisfaction, the women credited the current administration’s initiatives and development-oriented approach as key reasons behind their support. Their remarks come at a time when political narratives in Assam continue to engage with questions of identity, inclusion, and governance.

 

The statements underscore a complex and evolving public perception in the state, where sections of minority communities appear to be weighing governance outcomes alongside political rhetoric in forming their opinions.