Deliberate demographic shift? Assam CM flags influx into Hindu-majority constituencies amid evictions

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has raised serious concerns over what he described as a “concerted effort” to alter the demographic makeup of Hindu-majority constituencies in the state. 

Taking to X, CM Sarma stated, “From our recent eviction experience, we have seen that people originally from districts 400 km away have encroached upon lands in predominantly Hindu constituencies. There is a concerted effort to change the demography of our constituencies.”

Addressing the media following a fresh eviction drive in Goalpara, Sarma said the trend of migration raised troubling questions. “Today, during the eviction in Goalpara, it was found that half the people are from Barpeta and Bongaigaon. If I’m landless, wouldn’t I first look for land in my own district?” he asked.

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He cited similar instances during earlier eviction drives in Lakhimpur, where settlers reportedly came from South Salmara and Karimganj, and in Gorukhuti, where evictees allegedly relocated to Chaygaon and Boko. “Why are these people consistently settling in districts where the majority population is Assamese?” the Chief Minister questioned.

Calling for a thorough investigation, CM Sarma urged for a study to determine whether these migrations are the result of economic hardship or part of an orchestrated attempt to alter the vote dynamics. “There needs to be a proper study to determine whether these people are coming due to poverty or whether someone is deliberately bringing them to these Assamese-majority constituencies to reduce the indigenous population to a minority,” he said.

The remarks have stirred political ripples across Assam, with observers anticipating further debates over the state’s land, identity, and demographic policies.