GUWAHATI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in an interview with The Indian Express, addressed the issue of Islamophobia in India, stating that “Islamophobia is real” as many “sections of Muslims in our country hate the majority community”.
When questioned about allegations of exploiting Islamophobia to boost the BJP’s prospects in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Sarma responded, “Islamophobia is real for many of us.”
He clarified that he had refrained from using the term ‘Muslim’ in his election speeches in Assam and had actively campaigned in Muslim-dominated areas.
Sarma believes that the reduction of Islamophobia hinges on Muslims accepting a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), addressing the Krishna Janambhoomi issue in Mathura, and relocating the Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi.
“Islamophobia cannot be reduced by the so-called secular people. It has to be reduced by a dialogue between Hindus and Muslims. You just cannot blame Hindus asking why they are speaking against Muslims,” he stated.
The Assam chief minister emphasized the need for mutual understanding and accountability, suggesting that questions should also be posed to Muslims about their sentiments towards Hindus.
He expressed optimism that the remaining issues between Hindus and Muslims would be resolved during Prime Minister Modi’s third term.
“Gradually we will see the politics of development. We need to make India developed and for all communities to live in harmony. Let them shift the Shahi Eidgah (in Mathura) to a different location,” Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
He further suggested that if the Gyanvapi Masjid could be relocated through mutual consultation rather than force, it could lead to a significant improvement in communal relations.
Highlighting the “Assam model”, Sarma claimed to have transformed a significant portion of the Muslim community in the state from being antagonistic towards Hindus to coexisting peacefully.
He noted a reduction in incidents of “love jihad” and land grabbing as a result of these efforts.