Why Is Assam in Turmoil? The Bulldozer Politics of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Explained

Assam, the vibrant state in India’s northeast—bordering Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and Bangladesh—has found itself the center of a heated political and social storm. After recent crackdowns on illegal immigrants, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam’s Chief Minister, has been labeled “Bulldozer Baba” by his supporters and critics alike. But what’s behind the chaos? Let’s break down the controversies shaking Assam.

The Migrant Challenge

With a population of around 33.7 million, Assam is home to many ethnic groups and communities. However, a significant part of this population consists of immigrants—some in dire need, others allegedly destabilizing the region with crime and unlawful activities. The porous borders with neighboring states and especially Bangladesh have made Assam a prime destination for infiltrators, including illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants, slipping in under the radar.

CM Himanta’s Mission

Recent concerns about the growing Muslim population in Assam, and fears that Hindus could become a minority by 2030, have driven Himanta Biswa Sarma’s hardline agenda. Drawing provocative comparisons to situations in Germany and other European countries, the Chief Minister has repeatedly warned that unchecked Muslim immigration could change the region’s demographic and cultural makeup, possibly transforming Assam into a “Muslim-majority state” by 2041.

To pre-empt such developments, Sarma has launched aggressive initiatives:

Land Encroachment Drives: Over 29 lakh bighas of land have been cleared of alleged encroachments, with bulldozers demolishing illegal structures. These drives, often blamed for targeting Muslim communities, have freed over 335 acres from unlawful occupation, according to Sarma.
Eviction of Illegal Migrants: Citing Supreme Court concerns and their own investigations, the Assam government has vowed to root out post-1971 illegal entrants, with many being forcefully evicted from their homes.
“Miyaa Land” Controversy: Responding to demands from Muslims for a distinct homeland or “Miyaa Land” within Assam, Sarma retorted that such a land should be created in Bangladesh or even Afghanistan, but not in India.

The “Bulldozer” Politics

Sarma’s actions have earned him the “Bulldozer Baba” title, reminiscent of Uttar Pradesh’s Yogi Adityanath, known for using bulldozers to dismantle illegal properties. The government claims these measures are necessary to prevent Assam from suffering the fate of other regions now struggling with the consequences of large-scale illegal immigration.

Arming the Public: A Controversial Move

Perhaps even more controversial is Sarma’s new plan: to allow law-abiding local citizens—especially Hindu and indigenous residents living in sensitive, border, or Muslim-majority areas—to apply for licensed firearms. Sarma argues this is for self-defense; marginalized communities in districts like Dhubri, Morigaon, Barpeta, Nagaon, and South Salmara often feel vulnerable due to demographic shifts and cross-border crime.

The Chief Minister claims previous governments failed to protect locals sufficiently, leaving them with no option but to request legal arms since the Assam Movement of 1969-1985. Now, prodded by rising insecurity, the government is finally permitting gun licenses for those feeling threatened.

Critics and Allegations

These sweeping moves have triggered a nationwide debate. Detractors allege the government is unfairly targeting Muslims and using communal rhetoric for political mileage, while critics worry about the wisdom of arming civilians and the potential long-term consequences for law and order. The government counters that illegal immigrants are receiving fake documents with the help of local politicians—especially AIUDF leader Badruddin Ajmal, whom Sarma names as a key supporter of infiltrators.

What’s Next for Assam?

With the dual approach of tough eviction drives and new gun licenses, Sarma is determined to reassert government control and secure Assam’s borders, even as critics warn of increased social fragmentation and communal unrest.

What Do You Think?

Is arming the local population and bulldozing illegal settlements the right way to protect Assam? Or could this deepen divisions and set new, dangerous precedents? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for more updates on the evolving situation in Assam.

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