"TMC is 90% with infiltrators," says Himanta Sarma, claims Bangladeshi Muslims drive 90% of TMC policy

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made a series of strong political remarks during an election-related interaction in Kolkata, West Bengal, addressing allegations and political narratives around detention camps in Assam. He stated that claims made by Trinamool Congress leaders regarding Bengali Hindus in detention camps are false, asserting that “there is not a single Bengali Hindu in detention camps in Assam.” He further added that if even one such case is found, he is ready to resign immediately, directly challenging the opposition’s allegations. He also said, "I say to Didi that TMC is 90% with inflators now. TMC will probably get more votes in Bangladesh than India. That's why, 90% of the TMC's policy making is done by Bangladeshi Muslims inflators."

He also referred to legal and constitutional provisions, claiming that the Supreme Court has granted Assam significant powers under what he described as the Illegal Immigrant Expulsion Act of 1948. He said the law allows Deputy Commissioners to expel suspected infiltrators within 48 hours. Sarma argued that this framework should be extended to multiple states. He also made sharp political observations about regions like Murshidabad, Dinajpur and Malda, suggesting they appear like an extension of Bangladesh, and alleged that the West Bengal Chief Minister wants people to visit Kolkata, consume food and leave without witnessing ground realities.

Further intensifying his remarks, Sarma differentiated between “Bangladeshi Hindus” and “Bangladeshi Muslims,” stating that the Citizenship Amendment Act regularises Bangladeshi Hindus as Indian citizens, while illegal infiltrators are being targeted under the law. He accused the West Bengal Chief Minister of mixing both categories. He also commented on border security, saying BSF is “not God” and that fencing requires land cooperation from the state government. He further referred to a recent High Court fine of ₹25,000 imposed on the Bengal government.

On the political front, Sarma made electoral predictions, stating his assessment that the ruling alliance could secure around 200 seats. He also remarked that the people of Bengal are politically aware, though he believes the current election atmosphere shows a different level of engagement. Additionally, he commented on voter behaviour, stating that enthusiasm among Muslims and Hindus is visible in the voting process and that while Muslim voting is often seen as routine, increased Hindu participation is being highlighted as significant in the current election discourse.