Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma: BJP Doesn't Need 'Miya' Votes For 10 Years, Urges Reforms In Child Marriage Practices

Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has stated that the BJP does not require the votes of the 'Miya' people residing in the riverine sandbar areas for the next decade.

He believes that these individuals need to reform themselves by abandoning practices such as child marriage.

However, Sarma acknowledged that the 'Miya' community supports him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the BJP.

He mentioned that they are free to chant slogans in favor of the saffron brigade without necessarily voting for them.

Sarma clarified that while the 'Miya' people may support the BJP and its welfare initiatives, they are not obligated to vote for the party.

He emphasized that supporting them by shouting 'zindabad' for Himanta Biswa Sarma, Narendra Modi, and the BJP without voting for them is perfectly acceptable.

It is worth noting that the term 'Miya' is a colloquialism used to refer to Bengali-speaking Muslims.

The chief minister stated that he would only seek votes from those who practice family planning, discourage child marriage, and reject fundamentalism.

He emphasized that these changes would take time and that he would seek votes only after ten years from Miya community, once these conditions are met.

When informed about the lack of proper schools in certain 'char' areas where Bengali-speaking Muslims reside, Sarma promised to immediately establish schools in those locations upon receiving such information.

Sarma also assured that minority students would not be denied educational opportunities.

He also announced plans to open seven colleges in minority areas in the near future.