Assam Congress Files Complaint Against Chief Minister for Remarks

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has lodged a police complaint against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that a social media post contained provocative remarks targeting Muslims. The complaint, filed at the Dispur Police Station on February 7, 2024, claims that the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Assam BJP shared content depicting Sarma symbolically shooting at members of the Muslim community.

According to APCC leaders Sibamoni Bora and Diganta Bauman, the post included inflammatory phrases such as “foreigner free Assam,” “No mercy,” and “Why did you not go to Pakistan?” These statements are reportedly directed at the state’s Muslim population, particularly those of Bengali origin, derogatorily referred to as “Miyas” or “Bangladeshis.” The complaint asserts that such content is deeply provocative and poses a risk to communal harmony in Assam.

The APCC has urged the Dispur Police Station to register a case under relevant sections of penal law and take appropriate action. This complaint follows similar actions by other political entities. Earlier on the same day, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) sought directions from the Supreme Court regarding allegedly discriminatory comments made by Sarma toward the Muslim community. Advocate Nizam Pasha emphasized the need for urgent intervention, citing disturbing remarks made by Sarma during a recent public appearance.

In a response to these allegations, Chief Justice Surya Kant acknowledged the complexities involved, noting that electoral tensions often spill into the judiciary. “The problem is, when elections come, part of it is fought in the Supreme Court. We will see,” he stated, indicating that the court would review the situation.

In a related development, Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen and Member of Parliament from Hyderabad, filed an official complaint with the Hyderabad City Police. He accused Sarma of promoting “genocidal hate speech” through a now-deleted video that allegedly depicted violence against Muslims. Owaisi’s complaint highlighted phrases like “Point blank shot” and “No Mercy” as inciting communal hatred and violence.

The video, initially uploaded to the Assam BJP’s official X account on February 7, was removed the following day, but it continues to circulate on various social media platforms. Owaisi asserted that law enforcement has a constitutional duty to act against hate speech, even without a formal complaint.

Sarma responded to Owaisi’s complaint on Monday, stating his readiness to face arrest and reaffirming his position against what he termed “Bangladeshi infiltrators.” “I am ready to go to jail, what can I do? If he has filed a case against me, arrest me; what objection do I have?” Sarma stated, maintaining that he stands firm in his views.

The ongoing tensions surrounding Sarma’s remarks and the political ramifications are expected to remain a focal point in Assam as various parties react to the evolving situation. The implications of these allegations could resonate beyond state lines, reflecting broader national debates on communal relations in India.