"Right Now, I Won't Seek Muslim Votes": Assam CM

Digital Desk: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma stated in an interview that he does not indulge in "vote bank politics" and, in contrast to the Congress, will not connect politics to matters linked to the Muslim community.

CM Sarma stated, "Right now, I don't want Muslim votes. All problems happen because of vote bank politics...I visit a Muslim area once a month, attend their events and meet people, but I don't link politics with development. I want Muslims to realize their relationship with the Congress is all about votes."

"Don't give me votes. Over the next ten years, let me improve your areas. I want to ensure child marriage practice ends and stop going to madrasas. Go to colleges instead. I am going to inaugurate seven colleges for Muslim daughters, especially girls," Sarma further stated.

Following the BJP's second straight victory in the northeast state, Sarma, who succeeded Sarbananda Sonowal as the 15th Chief Minister of Assam in 2021, explained why it is so important for Muslims to understand that their relationship with the BJP is beyond votes.

"In Muslim areas, the Congress did not develop infrastructure or schools. However, I want to grow them. I'll continue doing this for 10–15 years, after which I'll ask Muslims for their votes. If I ask for their votes now, it will become a give-and-take relationship. I don't want it to be a transactional relationship," Chief Minister said.

In the last state election, CM Sarma stated he too made the decision not to campaign in Muslim areas.

"During my campaigns in 2016 and 2020, I avoided visiting Muslim communities. I had previously stated that I would leave only after the election. I'm telling them to cast their votes for anybody they choose even this time. The BJP won't run a campaign there, Sarma said.

In the 126-member Assam assembly, the BJP won a second straight term in the assembly election by winning 60 seats, while its alliance partners AGP got nine seats and UPPL six seats.