Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sparked a sharp political debate with his remarks at Agenda Aaj Tak 2025. He said voting patterns in Assam depend more on ideology than on welfare schemes. He added that even generous financial aid does not change the choices of a large section of voters, especially the Muslim community.
Sarma responded to a question about Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s successful ₹10,000 scheme. He said his government already gives ₹10,000 to women in self-help groups. He argued that if elections were won only through cash transfers, Muslim voters would have supported his party and Tejashwi Yadav would have also won easily.
He explained that the recent victory in Bihar came from Nitish Kumar’s governance image and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He said the ₹10,000 benefit plays a role, but not a decisive one.
Sarma added that many beneficiaries supported his party in Assam, yet several others voted for them despite receiving nothing. He said this proves that elections are shaped by ideology, trust, and governance, not just money.
His comments have triggered reactions across political circles as the debate over welfare politics intensifies.
