Tezpur : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that slogans by themselves cannot guarantee the progress or protection of any community, stressing the need to cultivate a robust work culture and greater economic participation among the youth.

Addressing a public programme in Tezpur, Sarma observed that while slogans had played a significant role during earlier socio-political movements, sustainable development requires active engagement in productive sectors such as business, entrepreneurship, and skilled trades.

He urged Assamese youth to broaden their presence across economic activities, including construction, trade, and other growth-oriented sectors, underscoring that long-term empowerment depends on building a strong work ethic and self-reliance.

Referring to recent political developments, the Chief Minister declined to accept an open debate challenge on Hindutva issued in Guwahati by Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi. Sarma did not elaborate further on his decision.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s land reclamation drive, stating that approximately 1.5 lakh bighas of encroached land have been cleared so far. He added that the state plans to free an additional 5 lakh bighas in the coming period as part of its ongoing efforts to address encroachment.

Assamese Community May Become ‘Almost’ Minority in 2027 Census: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday claimed in the Assembly that the Assamese community could become “almost” a minority in the 2027 Census, describing the present phase as a “very dark time” in the state’s political and demographic journey.

Speaking during the Motion of Thanks on the Governor’s Address, Sarma told the House, “During the 2027 Census, the Assamese community will become almost a minority,” though he did not provide statistical projections or detailed data to substantiate the assertion.

The Chief Minister said the BJP-led government was attempting to preserve what he metaphorically described as a “lamp” offering reassurance amid changing demographic realities. “Today, people from Dhubri as well as Majuli call me and say ‘I am safe and secured’. We are marching towards (being a) minority, but just one lamp is giving light and courage,” he said.

Sarma has previously raised concerns over demographic trends in Assam. On earlier occasions, he had stated that if existing growth patterns continue, the Muslim population in the state could come close to parity with the Hindu population by 2041.

According to Census 2011 data, Assam’s total population stood at 3.12 crore. Of this, 1.07 crore were Muslims, accounting for 34.22 per cent of the population, while Hindus numbered 1.92 crore.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has frequently highlighted demographic changes in Assam, pointing out that the number of Muslim-majority districts rose from six in 2001 to nine in 2011. Although the 2021 Census was not conducted, BJP leaders have claimed that at least 11 districts currently have a Muslim-majority population.

In 2001, when Assam had 23 districts, Muslims formed a majority in six districts – Dhubri (74.29 per cent), Goalpara (53.71 per cent), Barpeta (59.37 per cent), Nagaon (51 per cent), Karimganj (52.3 per cent) and Hailakandi (57.63 per cent).

By 2011, after the number of districts increased to 27, nine were recorded as Muslim-majority districts: Dhubri (79.67 per cent), Goalpara (57.52 per cent), Barpeta (70.74 per cent), Morigaon (52.56 per cent), Nagaon (55.36 per cent), Karimganj (56.36 per cent), Hailakandi (60.31 per cent), Bongaigaon (50.22 per cent) and Darrang (64.34 per cent).

The remarks are likely to intensify political debate in the state ahead of the next census exercise and forthcoming electoral contests.