Congress raking up Bengali Hindu issue to invite trouble for them: Assam CM Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended the political rights of a person of Hindu Bengali origin from Bangladesh who wanted to contest elections stating that Congress leader Sonia Gandhi herself is from Italy, and questioned why Bengali Hindus from Bangladesh who have long been residents of India, should face criticism for being a candidate.

Sarma, who was in Dholai to address an election rally on Tuesday told media persons that the Congress is raking up the issue of Bengali Hindu only to invite trouble for them. "Sonia Gandhi came from Italy and became a leader here. However, Congress has problems with those who have come to India from Akhanda Bharat (undivided India). The Supreme Court has settled recently that those who have come here before 1971 can get citizenship."

Sarma emphasised that the Supreme Court has ruled that individuals who arrived in India before 1971 are recognised as citizens. He questioned why, under these provisions, Bengali Hindus should be restricted from participating in the democratic process.


The Dholai bypolls have sparked debate over the inclusivity and representation of different communities within the state's political landscape.

Barak valley is a Bengali-dominated area.

On November 3, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhupen Borah questioned the candidature of Nihar Ranjan Das alleging that he is of Bangladeshi origin.

Bhupen Borah had stated, "It was mentioned publicly that Dholai's BJP candidate, Nihar Ranjan Das, is a Bangladeshi. This statement was made by none other than Amiya Kanti Das, a close confidant of Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Assam CM should now tell the people of Assam why the BJP nominated a candidate of Bangladeshi origin. He has to explain to the entire state the reason behind BJP's decision to give a ticket to Nihar Ranjan Das."

Sarma said, "BJP is trying to settle the issue of citizenship for Hindu Bengalis in Assam. However, the Congress is trying to rake up the issue which will lead to further suffering."