Assam CM's remarks on Hindu families to have ‘2-3 children’ spark controversy

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sparked controversy by urging Hindu couples in the state to have more children, citing a decline in Hindu birth rates compared to areas dominated by religious minorities.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Sarma pointed out the difference in birth rates. “In religious minority-dominated areas, the ratio of giving birth to a child is more. In Hindus, the ratio of giving birth to a child is coming down. There is a difference,” he said.

He explained that this was the reason behind his appeal for larger Hindu families. “That is why we are urging Hindu people not to stop at one child and give birth to at least two. Those who can, even have three children,” Sarma said. He added, “We ask the Muslim people not to give birth to seven to eight, while we urge the Hindus to have more children. Otherwise, there will be no one to look after the house of Hindus.”

Earlier, on December 27, Sarma had discussed population trends in Assam, noting that the population of Bangladeshi-origin Miya Muslims could reach 40 percent in the 2027 census. He pointed out that when he started his political career with the All Assam Students' Union (AASU), their population was 21 percent, rising to 31 percent in the 2011 census.

“Their population is going to be above 40 percent. Days are not far when the future generation of Assamese people will see their population going below 35 percent,” Sarma said. He also warned, “They (Bangladesh) often say that northeast India should be cut off and annexed to Bangladesh. They do not need to fight a war to take northeast India. It will automatically go to them once their population crosses 50 percent.”

The chief minister referred to a recent call by a Congress spokesperson to reserve 48 Assembly seats for Muslims, stating that the party had not opposed the demand. “The BJP demands reserving seats for Assamese people, irrespective of Hindus and Muslims. But Congress demands reservation of seats for Muslims,” he said, adding that Congress had not expelled the spokesperson because “the whole ecosystem of Congress is dependent on those people.”

Sarma’s comments highlight ongoing political and social debates in Assam regarding migration, identity, and citizenship, particularly amid concerns over undocumented immigration from Bangladesh.