“Why no Dalit PM yet?”: Congress slams Himanta Biswa Sarma over Hindu PM remark

The Congress on Sunday, January 11, slammed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his remarks linked to the hijab controversy, accusing the BJP of deliberately resorting to Hindu–Muslim polarisation as elections draw closer in the state.

Reacting strongly, Congress leader Manoj Kumar alleged that communal rhetoric has become a political tool for the ruling party whenever it faces electoral pressure. He claimed that without invoking religious divisions, the BJP struggles to sustain its political narrative, particularly during election season.

“Elections are around the corner in Assam, and without Hindu–Muslim statements they cannot move ahead in their politics,” Kumar said, asserting that such remarks are aimed at diverting public attention from core issues.

Taking the argument further, the Congress leader raised the issue of social representation at the highest level of governance, pointing out that India has never had a Dalit Prime Minister. Questioning the BJP’s approach, Kumar asked why, if Dalits are considered part of the broader Hindu community, the ruling party has never elevated a Dalit leader to the top post.

“They speak about Hindus and claim Dalits as Hindus as well. Then why has the country not seen a Dalit Prime Minister so far?” he asked, calling the BJP’s politics selective and exclusionary.