Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has provoked a major political and communal controversy by asserting that Bengali-speaking Muslims often referred to by the pejorative term “Miyas” “should not get to vote in India” and should cast their ballots in neighbouring Bangladesh instead, and by suggesting that up to four to five lakh names from this community could be deleted from voter rolls in future electoral revisions.
Sarma’s remarks came amid an ongoing Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls in the state and have drawn strong criticism from opposition parties, civil rights groups and commentators who call the language discriminatory, unconstitutional and a threat to democratic inclusiveness. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet issued a public response to these statements, even as protests and legal challenges intensify.
Controversial Remarks and the Voter Roll Revision Battle
On 27 January 2026 and in follow-up comments, Sarma said the ongoing Special Revision of voter lists in Assam was concentrating on what he described as “Miyas”, a derogatory label used for Bengali-speaking Muslims whose ancestors largely migrated from present-day Bangladesh.
During statements to reporters in Digboi and Mahmara (Charaideo district), Sarma asserted that if a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) a more exhaustive form of voter list review were applied in the state, “four to five lakh Miya votes” would be removed. He added, “My job is to make them suffer” and that his political aim was to give them “trouble” to reduce their voting influence.
In addition, the Chief Minister acknowledged that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had directed party workers to file over five lakh objections (Form-7 complaints) seeking deletion of names classified as suspected foreigners. Sarma defended this mass filing as part of efforts to address what he labelled illegal inclusion, saying such action ensured genuine Assamese voters were protected.
The Special Revision currently underway in Assam involves publishing draft voter lists and receiving claims and objections; it differs from an SIR since authorities do not conduct detailed document verification or linkage checks during door-to-door enumeration.
The draft electoral roll published on 27 December 2025 listed approximately 2.51 crore voters, with thousands marked as deceased, shifted or duplicate entries identified. Claims and objections were accepted until 22 January 2026, and final publication is due by 10 February 2026.
Opposition political parties including the Congress, CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML), Raijor Dal and Assam Jatiya Parishad have lodged formal complaints with the state Chief Electoral Officer, alleging irregularities such as bulk objections, wrongful deletions and political interference in the revision process.
They argue that many objections target genuine Indian citizens without proper notice, and that some names have been removed without due process.
Political Backlash and Legal Concerns
Sarma’s remarks have triggered intense political responses across Assam and nationally. Opposition leaders have described his language as inflammatory and discriminatory, asserting that it risks creating communal divisions and undermines faith in the democratic system. A Congress MLA alleged that Sarma has directed party cadres to specifically target “Miya” voters for removal, heightening accusations of targeted disenfranchisement.
Civil rights and left-leaning parties have taken the reaction further: the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has urged the Supreme Court to take cognisance of the Chief Minister’s statements and hold him accountable, claiming they foster enmity between communities.
Civil society groups and legal commentators have also raised concerns about the misuse of Form-7 objections, which are meant to be a standard procedure in revisions. Reports from on-the-ground groups suggest citizens primarily Bengali-speaking Muslims have been summoned, questioned, threatened with exclusion or left uncertain about their status as voters, leading to widespread fear and anxiety.
The BJP state leadership has defended the exercise, with Sarma and other leaders framing the revision as a necessary step to remove ineligible entries and protect the integrity of electoral rolls. They stress this is part of lawful electoral administration, especially given Assam’s history with the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Yet the charged language, visible contempt for a section of the electorate, and explicit linking of a community’s identity to alleged unlawful voting have alarmed rights organisations. Many legal analysts argue such rhetoric could violate constitutional protections of equality and non-discrimination, particularly ahead of crucial elections.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The right to vote is a cornerstone of democratic governance and must be protected impartially and without bias. Public office holders regardless of political affiliation bear the responsibility of upholding constitutional principles, promoting social harmony, and ensuring inclusive participation in civic life.
Targeted language that singles out communities on the basis of language, origin or faith risks deepening societal divisions at a time when unity, empathy and mutual respect are needed most.
While electoral integrity is important, the focus of reforms and revisions should be fairness, transparency and strict observance of legal procedures not fracturing communities or encouraging exclusionary narratives.
