Don't Expect Miya Votes, Focused On Development Of Indigenous Muslims: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday (4 November) said he does not expect votes from 'Miya Muslims'.

While speaking to the press in Guwahati, he also mentioned his avoidance of medical colleges due to the presence of Miya Muslims there.

The term 'Miya' is derogatorily employed to describe Muslims in Assam who are of Bengali-speaking or Bengal-origin.

"I don't expect votes from Miya Muslims. I don't visit medical colleges because Miya Muslims are there in more numbers," the Assam Chief Minister was quoted as saying by India Today.

Furthermore, Himanta Sarma emphasised that his and his party's efforts are concentrated on the progress of the state's native Muslim population.

"We are focused on the development of the indigenous Muslims of Assam. I never expect votes from Muslims, except the indigenous Muslims from Assam. It's very sad that Miya Muslims are more than our indigenous youth in every medical college. I have stopped going much to these colleges now," he said.

The Chief Minister accused the Congress and AIUDF of fostering a 'relationship of votes' with the Muslim community in Assam, saying that these parties have historically courted votes by creating an "atmosphere of fear".

Sarma said that both the parties have a relationship with the Muslims of migrant origin till they get the votes but they have not taken any steps for their development or in the areas where they live.

He added that these parties have not constructed any roads, bridges, schools, colleges for them.

''As a first step, we have taken measures to improve the living conditions of the indigenous Assamese Muslims and a survey will be conducted soon on them'', he said.

In response, Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, leader of the All India United Democratic Front in Assam and MP from Dhubri, countered Himanta Sarma's remarks by suggesting that the absence of Miya Muslim workers would lead to a deserted Guwahati.

"If Miya Muslims do not work for three days in Guwahati, it will turn into a graveyard," he said.