Guwahati: During a roadside media interaction on Thursday as part of his election campaign, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded to questions from a BBC Hindi journalist, rejecting labels such as “Hitler” or “anti-democratic fascist” and stating that he is known as “Mama” (uncle) among people in the state.
The interaction, recorded on video and later shared by Sarma on X (formerly Twitter), took place in Duliajan as he campaigned ahead of the state’s single-phase assembly elections scheduled for April 9, with results expected on May 4.
Sarma, surrounded by supporters, security personnel and journalists, responded to questions regarding unity among communities. The journalist asked whether, after five years as chief minister and his earlier tenure as a minister, he believed all sections of Assamese society, Hindus, Muslims and Christians, felt satisfied and united under his leadership.
Sarma replied, stating that “all are dancing and we have united Assam.”
When asked whether he had encountered opposition during recent interactions with the public, he said, “Nobody opposed me,” adding that voters would see this themselves. The journalist then referred to criticism in which he has been described as “Hitler” or his approach labelled as anti-democratic and fascist.
Sarma responded: “I think BBC has vote in UK… here people tell me Mama.” He also referred to Akhil Gogoi, stating that while critics may express their views, people in Assam refer to him as “Mama.”
In a post on X, he wrote: “The BBC can call me whatever they want to, but for the people of Assam, I am their Mama! @BBCHindi #AssamElections2026.”
The interaction took place during the ongoing election campaign, with Sarma leading the BJP’s efforts for a third consecutive term. The party’s manifesto includes proposals such as implementing a Uniform Civil Code within three months of returning to power, while stating that tribal rights will be protected.
It also outlines plans for stricter measures against “love jihad” and “land jihad,” eviction drives against illegal encroachment, and empowering district authorities under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, to identify and deport illegal immigrants within 24 hours.
Sarma has been associated with policies addressing illegal immigration from Bangladesh. His government has conducted eviction drives on forest and government lands, which he has described as targeting “Bangladeshi infiltrators” and “encroachers.” He has also used the term “Miya,” commonly used to refer to Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam, in the context of demographic concerns.
In January 2026, he stated that his administration would “continue to disturb the Miyas” through measures such as evictions, revisions of electoral rolls and border checks to prevent them from “walking over our heads.”
Sarma has stated that his remarks and actions are directed at illegal immigrants and not at any religious community.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, and some minority groups have raised concerns over his statements and policies. They have alleged that such measures and remarks disproportionately affect certain communities and have pointed to legal cases related to his use of the term “Miya.”
The interaction occurred close to the polling date. Issues related to identity, land and illegal immigration continue to be part of political discussions in the state.
Reactions on social media platforms were varied. Some users expressed support for Sarma’s remarks, while others raised concerns about his statements and governance record.
No additional statement has been issued by the chief minister’s office regarding the interaction. The full version of the exchange was later shared by the broadcaster, showing the complete interaction.