AIUDF MLA Critiques Assam CM's Independence Day Speech as Divisive

Rafiqul Islam's Response to Chief Minister's Address

New Delhi, August 16: Rafiqul Islam, the general secretary of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and a member of the legislative assembly, has expressed strong disapproval of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's speech on Independence Day. He labeled the address as 'unfortunate' and accused it of being 'hate-driven propaganda' intended to create divisions among communities.

Islam criticized the Chief Minister for failing to acknowledge the contributions of freedom fighters, neglecting to highlight achievements from the past five years, and not presenting future plans. Instead, he claimed Sarma chose to instill fear by suggesting that 'unknown individuals' could potentially lead Assam in the future.

He remarked, 'Both PM Modi at the Red Fort and Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati echoed similar sentiments, spreading fear regarding 'illegal intruders.' This is nothing but false propaganda. The Congress party governed Assam for 53 years, with Tarun Gogoi serving as Chief Minister for 15 years, yet he never allocated land to any landless Muslims. Even those with long-standing records of Indian citizenship were labeled as doubtful voters during both BJP and Congress administrations,' he asserted.

Islam accused Sarma of intentionally suggesting that a Congress-led government would provide land to Muslims. 'The BJP and Congress are equally culpable in this matter. The Chief Minister is merely instilling fear among the populace,' he stated, adding that while it is constitutionally feasible for a Muslim to become the Chief Minister of Assam, that is not the core issue.

'The focus should be on unity and providing employment opportunities for all—Hindus, tribals, and Muslims alike—while putting an end to polarization,' Islam emphasized.

Regarding the issue of infiltration, the AIUDF leader pointed out, 'The BJP has been in power in Assam for several years, with PM Modi in charge for 12 years and Amit Shah as Home Minister. If infiltration is occurring from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, or other regions, why hasn't it been addressed? Instead, the Chief Minister claims that lakhs of intruders have altered the state's demographics. This is disgraceful.'

Islam also highlighted the lack of representation for Muslims in Assam's government, noting that despite Muslims constituting approximately 35% of the state's population—around 1.2 crore individuals—there are no Muslim ministers in the cabinet, no Muslim MLAs from the BJP, and no Muslim Superintendents of Police in any of the 34 districts.

'While many IAS and IPS officers are Muslims, they are excluded from significant positions. The Chief Minister is misleading the public,' he claimed.

In response to Sarma's comments regarding 'illegal individuals' entering medical colleges, Islam stated, 'On one hand, they criticize Muslims for not educating their children; on the other, they disparage those who are pursuing education. Yes, there are challenges such as population growth and child issues, but we are implementing reforms.'