New Delhi, 29 January: Political debate has intensified over the ongoing Special Intensive Review (SIR) process in Assam. Leaders from Congress, CPM, and Samajwadi Party have voiced concerns regarding Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s recent remarks on the issue.
Congress leader Udit Raj stated that the party works for the rights of all citizens, not for any particular community. He said, “Congress neither works exclusively for Bengali Muslims nor Bengali Hindus. We consider everyone a citizen of the country. What was earlier said in secrecy, Himanta Biswa Sarma is now openly expressing.”
CPM MP Amararam accused that under the pretext of the SIR, votes of Dalits, minorities, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes are being targeted. He added, “Whether Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, or Buddhist, all are citizens of this country. Spreading hatred in society is a betrayal of the nation, constitution, and unity.”
Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Bark also criticised the Chief Minister’s statement, saying, “A person who talks about dividing society and the country should not hold the position of Chief Minister.”
It is noted that on 27 January, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that following the SIR process, around 4 to 5 lakh ‘Miyan’ voters would be removed from the electoral rolls. This statement has triggered widespread political discussion.
Opposition parties have alleged that this move targets specific communities, sparking a national-level debate. Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdev clarified that Himanta Biswa Sarma’s stance has consistently been for strict enforcement of the SIR against ‘Miyan’ people, referring to illegal Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh.
– VKU/ABM