Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued a stark warning about the state's demographic future, stating that an increase in the immigrant population by another ten percent could lead to Assam becoming part of Bangladesh.
A Persistent Warning Over Five Years
The Chief Minister made these remarks while speaking to reporters after an official event on 23 December 2025. Sarma emphasized that this is not a new concern for him, revealing that he has been consistently raising this critical issue for the last five years. His comments highlight ongoing anxieties about population changes and their potential impact on the state's geographical and political identity.
The Core of the Demographic Concern
The central claim from CM Sarma points to a direct correlation between the rise in immigrant numbers and a threat to Assam's territorial integrity. The statement suggests that a specific demographic shift—quantified at an additional 10% in the immigrant population—could trigger a scenario where the state's cultural and political fabric aligns more with neighbouring Bangladesh than with India. This warning underscores the sensitive and long-standing debates surrounding migration, the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and citizenship laws in the northeastern state.
Implications and the Road Ahead
This public statement by a sitting Chief Minister is likely to reignite discussions on several fronts. It brings the focus back to:
- Demographic Data: The need for accurate and updated figures on population composition.
- Border Security: Policies aimed at managing illegal immigration.
- Political Discourse: How migration issues shape political narratives and policies in Assam and at the national level.
By quantifying the threat, CM Sarma has framed the issue in stark terms, potentially aiming to galvanize public opinion and prompt administrative action. The consequences of such a warning extend beyond immediate politics, touching upon core issues of identity, resource allocation, and national security for a state that has historically been sensitive to migration patterns.
