Dibrugarh, July 23: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday raised fresh concerns over the changing demographic profile of the state, warning that the Muslim population could equal that of Hindus by 2041 if current growth trends continue. Speaking at a press conference in Dibrugarh following a cabinet meeting, Sarma cited Census data to back his claim.

“Today, as per the 2011 Census, 34% of Assam’s population is Muslim,” the Chief Minister said. “Of that, 31% are Muslims who migrated to the state, while only 3% are indigenous Assamese Muslims. If we project these numbers forward for 2021, 2031 and 2041, the figures suggest a near 50:50 population ratio between Hindus and Muslims,” he stated.

Calling it a matter of statistical projection rather than personal opinion, the BJP leader said his remarks are grounded in official Census data. This is not the first time Sarma has flagged demographic shifts as a cause for concern. Last week, in a separate press conference in Guwahati, the Chief Minister accused migrants of attempting to alter Assam’s voter base by relocating and enrolling themselves in new constituencies.

Without naming any community directly, Sarma referred to what he termed an “invasion” by people of a particular religion — a veiled reference to Bengali-speaking Muslims — into the indigenous population structure of the state. He alleged that this migration has led to visible demographic shifts in Assam’s northern and upper regions, influencing voter lists and creating political vote banks.

“Once they grow in numbers, they become a sizable vote bank. Political leaders then avoid acting against illegal encroachments on forest or government land,” Sarma said. He warned that what started as land encroachment has turned into “a jihad to finish off the Assamese people.”