Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that the ongoing Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls in the state is affecting only people he referred to as “Miyas” and not indigenous Assamese residents, including Assamese Muslims.
Speaking to reporters, Sarma claimed that the revision process has not created difficulties for Assamese people and asserted that those facing problems during the exercise were individuals who, according to him, do not belong to the state. “Assamese people are not affected by the Special Revision. Only Miyas are facing trouble,” the Chief Minister said.
The term “Miya” is commonly used to refer to Bengali-speaking Muslims of migrant origin and is widely considered derogatory. Sarma, however, reiterated his stand that the revision exercise is aimed at identifying and removing ineligible voters, whom he alleged were included in electoral rolls due to illegal immigration.
The Chief Minister further stated that the exercise is necessary to protect Assam’s demographic balance and electoral integrity. He maintained that those who are genuine citizens and residents of the state have nothing to fear from the revision process.
Sarma’s remarks come amid heightened political debate over the Special Revision, which is being conducted under the supervision of the Election Commission of India. Opposition parties and civil society groups have accused the state government of targeting a particular community and attempting to disenfranchise legitimate voters ahead of elections.
Opposition leaders have demanded transparency in the process and urged authorities to ensure that no eligible voter is excluded. They have also criticised the Chief Minister’s language, calling it divisive and inflammatory.
The Special Revision of electoral rolls has emerged as a major political issue in Assam, with immigration, citizenship and demographic change continuing to dominate public discourse in the state.
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