Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday urged voters to treat the upcoming Assembly elections as a decisive choice between curbing illegal immigration and protecting Assam’s cultural and indigenous identity, placing the issue at the centre of the political discourse ahead of the polls.
Addressing a public meeting, Sarma said the future of Assam depends on whether people support a government that takes a firm stand against illegal immigration or one that, according to him, compromises the state’s identity for vote-bank politics. “The people of Assam must decide whether they want illegal immigration or the protection of their identity,” the Chief Minister said.
Sarma accused previous governments of failing to act decisively against illegal settlers, claiming that prolonged inaction had altered the demographic balance in several parts of the state. He linked the issue to the historic Assam Movement (1979–1985), stating that concerns raised during the agitation remain relevant even today.
The Chief Minister reiterated that his government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal immigration, citing steps such as stricter border surveillance, action against encroachment on government land and implementation of legal provisions to identify and expel foreigners. He said these measures were necessary to safeguard the rights, land and cultural heritage of indigenous communities.
Sarma’s remarks come as political activity intensifies in Assam ahead of the Assembly elections expected later this year. Illegal immigration, particularly from neighbouring Bangladesh, has long been a sensitive and polarising issue in the state and has often shaped electoral narratives.
Opposition parties, however, have criticised the ruling BJP for focusing excessively on identity and immigration, alleging that such rhetoric diverts attention from issues like unemployment, price rise and governance. They have also warned against the politicisation of citizenship-related matters.
With campaigning gaining momentum, immigration and identity are expected to remain key themes in the run-up to the Assam Assembly elections, alongside development, law and order, and welfare policies.
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