Demography will shape Bengal, Assam, Bihar polls for 20 years: Himanta Sarma
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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said demography will remain a key electoral factor in West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar for the next two decades, as he campaigned for the assembly elections in West Bengal.
Speaking to media at Bagdogra airport after a rally, Sarma rejected allegations of polarising voters, saying his remarks were directed only at “Bangladeshi Muslims” and not along religious lines. “I never say Hindu-Muslim, only Bangladeshi Muslims,” he said, adding that both Hindus and Muslims in the state were seeking change.
His comments come amid criticism from the ruling All India Trinamool Congress, which has filed a complaint with the Election Commission over alleged “communally charged” remarks made during a rally in Cooch Behar. Sarma claimed that a significant portion of the state’s Muslim population comprised “Bangladeshi Muslims” and accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of practising appeasement politics.
Asked about key election issues, Sarma said, “In Bengal, Assam, and Bihar, demography will continue to be a key point of elections for the next 20 years,” adding that “indigenous people” feel the impact of demographic changes.
On the failure of the Women’s Reservation-related legislation in Parliament, Sarma criticised the Opposition, saying it would have to answer to women voters. He also dismissed claims linking the bill to delimitation, calling them a “Left argument,” and argued that implementing women’s reservation within the current 543 Lok Sabha seats was not feasible. “Had it been possible, Sonia Gandhi would have implemented it long ago,” he said.
Sarma said the BJP sees growing support in north Bengal but declined to comment on a chief ministerial candidate if the party wins, stating such decisions are made by the leadership. He added that personal positions within the party are secondary to organisational decisions.
The West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29.