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Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, is accused of violating the oath he took as Chief Minister.
His oath involves upholding and bearing true faith and allegiance to India's secular Constitution.
The CM has made hateful remarks against the Muslim community, specifically targeting the Bengali Muslim community, often referred to derogatorily as "Miya Muslims."
Hate speech by elected officials is dangerous as it can lead to ethnic violence and atrocities with catastrophic consequences.
Politicians, despite being aware of the potential consequences, often use hate speech to further polarizing agendas.
Recent Controversial Remarks:
On a recent occasion, Mr. Sarma stated that he would actively side against "Miya Muslims" and prevent them from entering Upper Assam.
These remarks were made during a debate on law and order following a gangrape incident in Dhing, which further fueled communal tensions.
Historical Context of Hate Speech by the CM:
During the 2024 election campaign, Mr. Sarma used highly communal language against Muslims without any intervention from the Election Commission.
He even publicly acknowledged "Islamophobia" as a reality for Hindus, further exacerbating communal divisions.
Undermining Constitutional Principles:
By explicitly stating that he would side against a particular community, Mr. Sarma undermines the constitutional commitment to secularism.
His remarks suggesting that the minority community should be restricted from moving freely within the state further violate constitutional rights.
Impact on Assam's Social Fabric:
Assam has a history of ethnic violence, and such divisive rhetoric can worsen the situation.
The state has witnessed violent anti-immigrant agitations, militancy, and a flawed process of identifying "foreigners," which have collectively brought suffering to the poor.
Cynical Political Strategy:
Instead of promoting reconciliation, harmony, and peace, the CM appears to be fostering division to gain political advantage from hate-based politics.
The plight of the Rohingya in Myanmar shows the disastrous consequences of prolonged hate speech and communalism.
Lack of Accountability:
The Union government and BJP leadership have not taken steps to rein in the CM, even though his actions have been divisive.
Unlike other party leaders who have faced reprimands for targeting certain groups, Mr. Sarma's hate speech against Muslims has not been similarly addressed.
Hindrance to Development:
Assam has some of the poorest Human Development Index (HDI) indicators in India, and a communally charged environment is a barrier to development.
To improve the condition of the Assamese people, it is crucial to put an end to hate speech and promote an environment conducive to all-round development.
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