Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 24 made strong remarks in Guwahati while responding to allegations of irregularities in the ongoing Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls in the state, a process that has triggered political debate ahead of the Assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters in the city after returning from Davos, the Chief Minister rejected claims of anomalies in the SR exercise and said his government would continue what he described as a firm approach toward sections of the electorate, particularly East Bengal-origin Muslims, often referred to as “Miyas” in Assam’s political discourse.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said there was no concealment or controversy in the ongoing Special Revision of electoral rolls, dismissing allegations of anomalies. Speaking in Guwahati, he stated that notices were not being selectively issued and accused the opposition of politicising the process ahead of elections.
Background: SR Exercise Under Scrutiny
The Special Revision of electoral rolls is currently underway across Assam as part of preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections. In recent days, opposition parties have raised concerns over alleged irregularities.
A Booth Level Officer (BLO) from Sribhumi district earlier flagged possible issues related to Form No. 7, which is used for the deletion of names from electoral rolls. More recently, Akhil Gogoi, the Sivasagar MLA and Raijor Dal leader, released a video from Boko, alleging that BJP workers were caught manipulating voter lists inside a government office.
These developments have kept the issue at the centre of political discussions in Guwahati and Dispur, where election-related administrative decisions are closely monitored.
CM Sarma’s Remarks in Guwahati
Addressing the media, Himanta Biswa Sarma said there was no controversy surrounding the SR process.
“Is any notice being served to any Hindu or indigenous Assamese Muslim?” the Chief Minister asked, asserting that the exercise was being conducted uniformly.
He further said that his government would not soften its stance and claimed that its actions were aimed at asserting what he described as resistance by Assamese society.
“We will continue to disturb the Miyas. Nothing is concealed,” Sarma said, adding that such actions were, in his view, necessary to prevent what he termed as political imbalance.
Political Reactions and Guwahati Focus
The Chief Minister’s remarks have drawn sharp attention in Guwahati, where opposition parties, civil society groups, and legal observers are closely tracking the SR exercise and its implications for voters in urban and semi-urban constituencies.
Opposition leaders have argued that statements and actions surrounding the SR process risk deepening social and political divisions, while the government maintains that the revision is a routine administrative exercise aimed at ensuring accurate electoral rolls.
What Happens Next
With the SR exercise continuing across districts, including those surrounding Guwahati, political observers expect:
- Further scrutiny of Form 7 notices and deletions
- Possible responses or protests from opposition parties
- Increased legal and administrative oversight as elections draw closer
Election authorities have not announced any changes to the revision process so far.
Why This Matters
Guwahati, as Assam’s political and administrative hub, plays a key role in shaping election narratives. Statements by the Chief Minister on electoral processes influence not only political campaigning but also public confidence in voter verification and democratic procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Revision (SR) of the electoral rolls?
The SR is a periodic process carried out by election authorities to update voter lists by adding eligible voters, removing ineligible names, and correcting details.
Why is the SR exercise controversial now?
Opposition leaders have alleged irregularities, including wrongful deletions and political interference, while the state government has denied these claims.
