Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sparked political debate by claiming that welfare schemes and cash incentives do not influence Muslim voting behaviour in the state. Speaking during a television programme, Sarma said that even if his government offered ₹1 lakh per person, Muslim voters would still not vote for him.
The Chief Minister argued that electoral choices in Assam are driven by ideology rather than financial benefits. Referring to cash-transfer schemes implemented in states like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, Sarma said such initiatives may work elsewhere but not in Assam’s political landscape. He added that votes are earned through belief systems, not monetary incentives.
When asked directly about the Muslim community, Sarma stated that the “Miya Muslim” voters may acknowledge his governance and even personally appreciate his work, but would never support him electorally. He stressed that he does not blame the community and believes voting preferences are shaped by long-held ideological alignments.
With the Assam Assembly elections due next year, Sarma also raised concerns over what he termed a “demographic imbalance” in the state. He claimed unchecked migration has steadily increased the Muslim population and warned that crossing the 50 percent mark could threaten the survival of other communities.
Despite his sharp remarks, Sarma said his government maintains good relations with Muslim women and assured that his party would return to power regardless of minority voting patterns.
