– Asom Gana Parishad rose from anti-Bangladeshi agitation.
– BJP capitalized on demographic concerns with slogans like protecting “jaati (race), maati (land), bheti (hearth)” during its first government formation in Assam in 2016.
– Critics allege displaced lands serve corporate interests like power projects linked to groups such as Adani Group.
– Evicting minorities is seen as polarizing tactics before upcoming state elections.
The long-standing socio-political tensions revolving around immigration and demographics continue to define Assam’s political landscape under Chief Minister himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership. Allegations surrounding eviction drives raise critical questions about governance priorities-whether aimed at preserving cultural identity or favoring corporate expansion at the expense of vulnerable communities.
Targeted actions against certain groups risk deepening divides within an already delicate social fabric ahead of significant electoral contests next year. Additionally,linking land disputes with ‘jihad’ rhetoric may intensify communal sensitivities while increasing scrutiny on government accountability regarding evictees’ rehabilitation plans.The intersectionality between economic objectives and societal polarization further complicates how resources like land should be managed inclusively amidst varying claims of ownership across ethnic lines-a pressing concern worthy of balanced public discourse moving forward.
Read more: The Hindu