Bangladeshis Can Live Here Too’: Former Planning Commission Member’s Remark Fuels Firestorm in Assam, Himanta Calls it ‘Jinnah’s Dream’
Image via The indian Express
Date: August 25, 2025
A controversial comment made by a former member of India’s Planning Commission has triggered an explosive reaction in Assam, leading to political, social, and cultural unrest in the state. The ex-Planning Commission member’s statement, made during a public event on August 24, 2025, has drawn widespread condemnation, with many accusing him of not understanding the depth of Assam’s complex demographic and political concerns.
The Controversial Statement
The remark, which has now gone viral, was made in the context of a discussion on migration and its impact on the region. The ex-Planning Commission member, while talking about the migration issue in Assam, said, “Bangladeshis can also be here.” This comment, which many interpreted as an endorsement of illegal immigration from Bangladesh, quickly sparked a firestorm of controversy. For a state already grappling with complex issues surrounding illegal migration, the statement was seen as a provocation, with political leaders and citizens voicing their anger at the suggestion.
Assam, a state in the northeastern part of India, has long faced challenges related to illegal immigration, primarily from Bangladesh. The fear that unchecked migration from Bangladesh could alter the demographic composition and cultural landscape of the state has been a sensitive issue for decades. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam was a significant attempt to address these concerns, but it has not alleviated the underlying anxiety about migration and its impact on the local population.
Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Response
In the wake of the controversial remark, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was quick to react. Speaking at a press conference, Sarma sharply criticized the ex-Planning Commission member, calling his statement “Jinnah’s dream.” The comparison to Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, was a pointed reference to Jinnah’s vision of a separate Muslim-majority state. By invoking Jinnah, Sarma underscored his concern that such remarks could lead to the fragmentation of Assam’s cultural and social fabric.
“Jinnah’s Dream” – A Political Comparison
For many in Assam, the comment felt like an endorsement of the influx of migrants from Bangladesh, which they see as a threat to the identity and sovereignty of the state. “This is an attack on the Assamese people and their culture,” said a local political activist from Guwahati. “How can anyone suggest that people from another country, with a different culture and language, should freely settle here without any regard for the challenges it brings?” The fears of local Assamese people are rooted in the long-standing tension over the issue of migration, which has led to protests, violent clashes, and strained relationships between communities in the past.
Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has been a vocal advocate for safeguarding the interests of Assamese people, intensified his criticism of the remark. Sarma claimed that the ex-Planning Commission member’s statement mirrored the vision of Jinnah, who famously advocated for a separate Muslim-majority state, leading to the creation of Pakistan. By invoking Jinnah, Sarma drew a direct parallel between the controversial remark and the broader question of Assam’s cultural and demographic preservation.
The NRC and Assam’s Demographic Challenges
The statement did not go unnoticed by the opposition either. Congress and other regional parties in Assam seized the opportunity to accuse the ruling BJP of using the issue of illegal immigration to further their political agenda. “The ruling party is trying to divide the people of Assam by using such controversial remarks to stoke communal tensions,” said a spokesperson for the Congress party. “It is a deliberate attempt to polarize the voters and create unrest.”
However, some political analysts suggest that the controversy is also being used by political parties as a means to rally their respective bases. “Assam’s political landscape is extremely complex, and issues like illegal immigration and demographic changes have been a part of the regional politics for a long time,” explained Dr. Alok Pathak, a political science professor at Gauhati University. “What we’re witnessing now is an intensification of these debates, with each party trying to claim ownership of the narrative.”
Public and Political Reactions
The ex-Planning Commission member, who has not yet backed down from his statement, later clarified that he was not advocating for any particular group to settle in Assam but was instead discussing the broader socio-economic implications of migration in the region. He said that his words were taken out of context, and he did not intend to create any confusion or fuel any controversies. “My statement was about addressing the challenges that Assam faces due to migration, not about endorsing illegal settlements,” he explained in a follow-up interview.
Despite his clarification, the damage had already been done. The comment continued to be widely discussed across social media platforms, where citizens of Assam expressed their anger and frustration. “It feels like our identity is under threat. If this kind of statement goes unchecked, what will happen to our future?” wrote one Twitter user from Assam.
Tensions on Social Media
Social media platforms were flooded with opinions and arguments, with many citizens expressing their fear over the potential consequences of such remarks. The conversation revealed the deep division among various groups in Assam, with some supporting the idea of integrating immigrants for economic growth, while others vehemently rejected it, fearing the loss of Assamese identity.
The Bigger Issue: Illegal Immigration and Cultural Preservation
The controversy also brought into focus the deep-seated concerns about migration that have shaped the state’s political discourse for years. Assam has witnessed several waves of migration, particularly from neighboring Bangladesh, which has led to significant demographic changes. For many in Assam, the fear of losing their cultural identity and language to an influx of foreign migrants is very real.
The NRC process, initiated in Assam to identify and deport illegal immigrants, has been a contentious issue in the state. Although it has had its share of problems, including human rights concerns and procedural delays, many in Assam see it as a necessary step to protect the identity of the state. The remarks by the former Planning Commission member have reignited these tensions, leading to calls for a more comprehensive and sensitive approach to dealing with migration.
NRC and Assam’s Future
As the debate rages on, the political ramifications of the statement remain unclear. The BJP, which is in power in Assam, is likely to continue using the issue of illegal immigration as a key part of its political platform. On the other hand, the opposition parties are expected to push back, accusing the ruling government of fueling communal divisions in the state.
In the coming weeks, this controversy may evolve into a significant issue in Assam’s political landscape. With state elections on the horizon, the debate over illegal immigration and its impact on Assam’s identity will only become more intense. As the dust settles from this incident, one thing is clear: the issue of migration, particularly from Bangladesh, remains a deeply divisive and sensitive topic in Assam.