"Data speaks for itself": Himanta Biswa Sarma on Muslim majority Assam argument, slams Congress over "minority appeasement"

Guwahati: Amid the backlash over the Assam government deciding to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act of 1935 to prevent child marriage and ensure parity in marriage and divorce registration, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma cited an analysis from a "noted Assamese journalist," which showed how Assam witnessed a shift in becoming a Muslim majority State by 2051.
"Despite @INCIndia's criticism, the data speaks for itself. Noted Assamese journalist @mrinaltalukdar8's analysis shows how Assam could see a shift as a Muslim majority State by 2051 if current trends persist," Sarma said in a post on 'X'.
Slamming the opposition Congress over alleged "minority appeasement," Sarma said, "Ignoring these demographic changes won't change the reality. Congress's approach to minority appeasement is dangerously shortsighted."
The Assam Chief Minister also shared photos of the cover of the book, "The Game Called NRC," authored by Mrinal Talukdar and relevant portions of the book justifying his argument, encircled in red.
"With the present population growth rate, Assam will become a Muslim majority state in 2051. This is the underlying fear of the majority of Hindus. For over half a century, the high growth of the Muslim population in Assam has been sought to be explained by dominant articles as the consequence of cross-border infiltration," the book mentions.
Earlier on Wednesday, CM Sarma reiterated his concerns regarding the issue of "changing demography," adding that it is a matter of "life and death" for him.
Citing some data, Sarma said that the Muslim population was 12 per cent in 1951 and has now reached 40 per cent.
The Chief Minister alleged that 'illegal immigrants' are marrying tribal girls without following due process.
He stated that illegal immigrants are marrying tribal daughters, but due diligence under the law is not happening. The BJP will make a law to stop exploitation of anyone if a tribal daughter marries an illegal immigrant.