Himanta dismisses Assam BJP chief's tribal remarks, says BJP committed to Bodo

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday downplayed BJP MP Dilip Saikia’s controversial remarks on tribal belts, blocks, and Sixth Schedule benefits, saying the comments “were not meaningful” and would have no significant impact in the region.

Speaking at a BTC election rally in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), the Chief Minister asserted, “The BJP is committed to adopting new micro tribal belts and blocks in Assam. We have already formed the Bodo Kachari Welfare Development Council to ensure development for tribals and Bodos.”

He further clarified that the BJP is not anti-tribal and urged that the issue should not be politicised. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is with the tribal and Bodo communities. Let's not make this an election issue in the region,” he said.

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CM Sarma made the remarks during a campaign tour across Udalguri district, addressing back-to-back rallies in Bhergaon, Khairabari, and Orangajuli ahead of the upcoming Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections, expected to be held in September.

He reiterated the BJP's vision for all-round development and equal rights for every community, aiming to strengthen the party’s outreach among tribal voters in the region.