Himanta says remarks target ‘Bangladeshi Infiltrators’, not muslims; responds to Owaisi

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he was unclear about which of his remarks had offended AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, asserting that his statements were never directed against Muslims but against illegal infiltration from Bangladesh.

“I don’t know which remark of mine offended Owaisi. I don’t say anything about Muslims. I speak against the infiltrators coming from Bangladesh,” Sarma said while responding to the criticism. He added that the issue should be addressed collectively, cutting across party lines.

The chief minister stressed that the country’s limited resources cannot sustain unchecked illegal migration. “He too should speak along with me. There are not enough resources for the people of India. How can we provide that to Bangladeshis?” he said.

Sarma reiterated that his stand has consistently focused on illegal immigration and its impact on resources and demographics, and not on any religious community, amid the continuing political exchange over his remarks.