The opposition in Assam has escalated its demands for Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s removal, urging President Droupadi Murmu and Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya to take action against him for allegedly making ‘communal and unconstitutional’ statements. In an emergency meeting held on August 27, the United Opposition Forum Assam (UOFA), a coalition of 18 parties aligned with the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), resolved to press for Sarma’s dismissal. The UOFA also plans to file a police complaint against the Chief Minister, accusing him of inciting communal tensions. Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah criticized Sarma’s recent remarks, stating, “The CM has compared himself to a mad dog, which demeans the office of Chief Minister. His continuous communal statements are aimed at creating clashes between communities. We demand immediate termination by the President and Governor.”
Borah accused Sarma of deliberately provoking communal strife to influence the 2026 assembly elections. He announced that a complaint would be lodged at Dispur Police Station and emphasized that the UOFA would seek a Supreme Court investigation into Sarma and his family’s ‘unaccounted’ assets. Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) President Lurinjyoti Gogoi, also a UOFA secretary, criticized Sarma’s handling of state affairs, asserting, “The CM’s actions are compromising the safety and future of the state’s youth. His administration has failed to address communal issues and protect the interests of all communities.”
The opposition leaders have also criticized Sarma’s tenure, citing recent statements where he suggested a need for debate on demographic changes and accused political rivals of competing for minority votes. Sarma’s comments have drawn criticism for allegedly stoking communal tensions, particularly after recent violent incidents, including the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl in Nagaon district and subsequent ultimatums issued to Bengali-speaking Muslims, referred to as ‘Miya’ people.
