TMC MP Sushmita Dev Challenges Assam CM’s Claims on Muslim Population Statistics

New Delhi — All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sushmita Dev has refuted Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s recent assertions regarding the Muslim population in Assam dating back to 1951. Dev, countering Sarma’s claim of the Muslim population being 12 percent in 1951 and rising to 40 percent presently, cited government data from 1952 indicating a 25 percent Muslim population in the state at that time.

Taking to social media, Dev criticized Sarma’s statement as misleading and questioned the basis of his demographic figures. She stated, “According to government data in 1952, 25 percent of the Muslim population was registered. I want to remind Assam CM that the Indian Government was supposed to conduct the population census but given the Covid-19 excuse, the census to date has not taken place…then how did the 40 percent figure come from?”

Dev further highlighted concerns about border security, pointing out that only 78 percent of the Indo-Bangladesh border has been sealed under Sarma’s administration, implying potential factors influencing demographic shifts.

Sarma, during a recent BJP meeting, described demographic change in Assam as a significant issue beyond political boundaries, emphasizing its impact on the state’s socio-political landscape. “I come from Assam and demographic change is a big issue for me. Muslim population in my state is 40 percent now, which was 12 percent in 1951. It is not a political issue for me, but a matter of life and death,” he stated to reporters.

The exchange between Dev and Sarma underscores the ongoing debate over demographic statistics in Assam, reflecting broader concerns about accuracy and the use of population data in political discourse.