Sat Jan 31 14:07:34 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Assam Congress Accuses Chief Minister of Contempt of Court in “Miya” Narrative

The Story:

On January 31, 2026, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misrepresenting Supreme Court observations related to illegal immigration in Assam to fuel an anti-“Miya” narrative. Gogoi alleges Sarma claimed the Supreme Court supported his stance that “Miyas” (a pejorative term for Bengali-speaking Muslims) have no right to vote in Assam, which Gogoi argues is a deliberate misinterpretation of the court’s previous remarks. Sarma, in turn, has accused the Congress of prioritizing the interests of “Miyas” over those of the indigenous “Asomiya” population and has vowed to continue efforts to remove “illegal immigrants” from Assam.

Key Points:

  • Gaurav Gogoi, Assam Congress president, accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of “contempt of court.”
  • Sarma asserted his government would continue to cause trouble to the ‘Miya’ and that they did not have the right to vote in Assam, citing Supreme Court observations regarding “a silent and demographic invasion of Assam.”
  • Gogoi claims Sarma is twisting the Supreme Court’s observations related to the scrapping of the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunal) Act.
  • Sarma accused the Congress of being obsessed with “Miya” and ignoring the interests of the “Asomiya” people.
  • The BJP, according to Sarma, will leave no stone unturned to eject “illegal immigrants” from Assam.

Critical Analysis:

The accusation of contempt of court highlights the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the issue of immigration in Assam. Chief Minister Sarma’s use of the term “Miya” in a pejorative sense, coupled with his claim of the Supreme Court backing his actions, suggests a deliberate strategy to polarize the electorate along ethnic and religious lines. Gogoi’s counter-attack is designed to undermine Sarma’s credibility and potentially invoke judicial scrutiny of his statements. The backdrop of Amit Shah’s recent “Secure Assam” agenda suggests a concerted effort from the BJP to strengthen its position in the region through a narrative focused on security and demographic concerns.

Key Takeaways:

  • The “Miya” identity remains a contentious issue in Assam politics, exploited for political gain.
  • Accusations of misrepresenting the Supreme Court carry significant weight and could lead to legal repercussions.
  • The BJP is employing a strategy of emphasizing security and demographic concerns to consolidate its political base in Assam.
  • The incident underscores the fragility of inter-community relations and the potential for political rhetoric to exacerbate tensions.
  • The media plays a crucial role in scrutinizing claims made by political leaders and ensuring accountability.

Impact Analysis:

The ongoing dispute and accusations of contempt could have long-term implications for Assam’s political landscape and its relationship with the judiciary. If the Supreme Court takes cognizance of the alleged misrepresentation, it could lead to a legal challenge against Sarma, potentially destabilizing his government. More broadly, the intensified rhetoric surrounding immigration could further polarize Assamese society, making it more challenging to address the underlying issues of citizenship and integration. The outcome of this dispute will likely shape the discourse surrounding immigration and identity politics in Assam for years to come.

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