SDPI Demands ECI Action Against Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Communal Rhetoric

Muhammad Elyas Thumbe, National General Secretary of the Social Democratic Party of India, has strongly condemned the recent remarks of Himanta Biswa Sarma, in which he explicitly stated that “Hindus who have come to Assam are refugees, while Muslims are infiltrators.” Muhammad Elyas Thumbe said that such a statement, made in the midst of the ongoing elections, is a deliberate attempt to polarise voters along religious lines. Muhammad Elyas Thumbe questioned the political intent behind this narrative, noting that it seeks to consolidate a Hindu vote bloc while portraying Muslim communities as outsiders and electoral adversaries.

Muhammad Elyas Thumbe stated that this rhetoric must be viewed in the context of a highly competitive electoral environment where divisive narratives are being used to shift focus away from governance and development. Muhammad Elyas Thumbe said repeated claims about “infiltrators,” despite the lack of transparent official data, reveal a calculated strategy to manufacture fear and deepen social divisions. Muhammad Elyas Thumbe added that such statements, combined with reports of eviction drives and voter list irregularities, raise serious concerns about the misuse of administrative mechanisms to target specific communities.

Muhammad Elyas Thumbe has formally demanded that the Election Commission of India take immediate and strict action against Himanta Biswa Sarma for violating the principles of free and fair elections. Muhammad Elyas Thumbe urged the Commission to take cognisance of these statements, initiate appropriate proceedings, and ensure that no political leader is allowed to exploit religion to influence electoral outcomes. Muhammad Elyas Thumbe emphasised that safeguarding constitutional values and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process is the responsibility of the Election Commission, and any delay in action would only embolden further communal polarisation.