Kolkata, March 2: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made controversial remarks on Sunday, alleging that the Left and liberals pose the biggest danger to Hindus. Speaking at an award ceremony hosted by a private organization in Kolkata, Sarma emphasized that Muslims and Christians were not a threat to Hindus, but rather, those undermining Hindu strength were within their own community.
Sarma’s Remarks on Hindu Identity
During his address, Sarma pointed out the weakening of the Hindu community in West Bengal, attributing it to the influence of Leftist ideologies and liberal forces. "The weakening of Hindus in West Bengal was inherited by Mamata Banerjee from the Left and the liberals," Sarma stated. He further argued that it was essential to recognize India's rich, 5,000-year-old civilization, which, according to him, has always embodied secular values and does not require external instruction in tolerance or brotherhood.
India’s Secular Identity
In his speech, Sarma emphasized that India is a "naturally secular nation," and that its culture of tolerance has existed long before the country gained independence in 1947. He also directly addressed political figures like Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee, asserting that attempts to erase the Hindu identity would not succeed. "Hindus will always remain," he stated confidently.
Concerns Over Hindu Population Decline
The Assam CM also pointed to demographic changes, claiming that the Hindu population in Assam had fallen to 58%, while in West Bengal, it was approximately 65%. Despite this, Sarma expressed optimism about the future of Hindu civilization, declaring it would "continue to remain and flourish."
PM Modi’s Leadership and National Growth
Sarma praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that under Modi’s tenure, India had made substantial progress across various sectors, including economy, finance, and science. He cited the construction of the Ram temple, completed after a 500-year wait, and the ongoing reforms, including the abolition of triple talaq and signs of the potential implementation of the Uniform Civil Code.
Cultural and Civilizational Resilience
Reflecting on India’s civilizational history, Sarma noted that while many civilizations have risen and fallen, Hindu civilization has endured. He reiterated that after India gained independence, it chose to remain a secular nation, unlike Pakistan, which became an Islamic republic.
Sarma was in Kolkata to attend the Vivekananda Sewa Samman 2025, a recognition ceremony that honors the teachings and ideals of Swami Vivekananda. He shared a video of his speech on his social media platforms, highlighting the occasion.
Conclusion
Himanta Biswa Sarma’s speech sparked considerable discussion, particularly regarding his criticisms of the Left and liberals, as well as his assertions about the resilience of Hindu civilization in India. As India continues to navigate its diverse cultural and political landscape, Sarma’s comments provide insight into the ongoing debates surrounding religion, identity, and governance in the country.
