Himanta Biswa Sarma’s views on Muslims

 Himanta Biswa Sarma is a politician from Assam who is currently the chief minister of the state. He has been accused of being anti-Muslim by some people, based on his statements and actions that are seen as discriminatory or hostile towards the Muslim community in Assam. For example, he has:

• Coined the term ‘fertiliser jihad’ to attack Assam’s Bengali Muslim farmers, alleging that they use excessive fertilisers to damage the soil and water.
• Blamed Muslims for the rise in prices of vegetables and other commodities, and urged Hindus to take over their businesses.
• Opposed the proposal of a ‘Miya museum’ to showcase the culture and heritage of the Bengali Muslims living in the riverine areas of Assam.
• Announced the closure of all government-run madrasas and Sanskrit schools, saying that it was not the responsibility of the state to provide religious education.

These actions have been criticised by some as divisive, inflammatory, and unconstitutional, while others have defended them as necessary, progressive, and secular. Sarma himself has denied being anti-Muslim, and claimed that he respects all religions and communities. He has also said that he is only against illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, who he believes pose a threat to the identity and security of Assam.