In a scathing critique of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby has accused the BJP-led government of deliberately dividing the state along religious lines. Speaking at a memorial event marking the first death anniversary of former CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury in Guwahati on September 9, 2025, Baby called for a broad-based political coalition to challenge the BJP’s “anti-minority” governance model.
Baby’s remarks come amid growing concerns over communal polarization in Assam, where recent policies and public statements by the Chief Minister have drawn criticism from opposition parties, civil society, and minority groups. The CPI(M) leader alleged that Sarma’s administration is enacting laws that target religious minorities and misusing central agencies to suppress dissent.
“The BJP once called Himanta Biswa Sarma corrupt. Today, they celebrate him as a hero. But his divisive politics is tearing Assam apart,” Baby said during his address.
🧭 Timeline of Political and Communal Developments in Assam
| Date | Event Description | Outcome / Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2023 | CM Sarma warns of “religious invasion” in Assam | Sparks national debate on communal rhetoric |
| Aug 2024 | Assam passes anti-conversion bill | Criticized by rights groups and opposition |
| July 2025 | Minority leaders barred from public events | Allegations of discrimination surface |
| Sept 9, 2025 | CPI(M) leader M.A. Baby calls for united opposition | Political momentum builds against BJP |
The CPI(M) has joined Congress, Raijor Dal, and AIUDF in demanding constitutional accountability from the Assam government.
🔍 Key Quotes from M.A. Baby’s Address
| Quote | Context / Implication |
|---|---|
| “Religious hatred is no longer confined to the fringes.” | Suggests mainstreaming of communal politics |
| “The Constitution is being undermined by central agencies.” | Accuses BJP of weaponizing institutions |
| “We need a united front to restore secularism.” | Calls for opposition unity ahead of 2026 polls |
Baby also expressed concern over US tariffs affecting Assam’s tea exports, linking economic distress to political instability.
📉 Breakdown of Alleged Anti-Minority Policies in Assam
| Policy / Action | Description | Criticism / Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-Conversion Bill | Criminalizes religious conversion without state approval | Seen as targeting minority faiths |
| Known vs Unknown Citizen Remarks | CM Sarma’s categorization of residents | Accused of profiling based on religion |
| Mosque Surveillance | Increased monitoring of religious sites | Civil liberty concerns raised |
| Minority Leader Restrictions | Denial of permissions for public events | Alleged violation of democratic rights |
These actions have been flagged by national and international human rights organizations.
🔥 Political Reactions and Opposition Strategy
- Congress: Assam Congress leaders have condemned Sarma’s “known vs unknown” remarks as unconstitutional.
- Raijor Dal: Akhil Gogoi has demanded judicial review of all recent laws passed under Sarma’s tenure.
- AIUDF: Badruddin Ajmal has called for a minority rights commission in Assam.
- Civil Society: Intellectuals and activists have urged the Supreme Court to intervene and uphold secular values.
The CPI(M)’s call for a united front is gaining traction ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
🧠 Expert Commentary on Assam’s Political Climate
| Expert Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Meera Iyer | Political Analyst | “Sarma’s rhetoric is polarizing, but strategically calculated.” |
| Rajiv Bansal | Constitutional Law Expert | “The misuse of central agencies undermines federalism.” |
| Dr. Rakesh Sinha | Historian of Northeast Politics | “Assam’s pluralism is under threat, and opposition unity is essential.” |
Experts warn that unchecked communal politics could destabilize Assam’s social fabric.
📦 Assam’s Political Landscape Snapshot
| Party / Leader | Position on Religious Division | Strategy Ahead of 2026 Elections |
|---|---|---|
| BJP (Himanta Biswa Sarma) | Denies allegations, defends policies | Focus on identity politics and development |
| Congress (Gaurav Gogoi) | Strongly opposed, demands CM’s resignation | Mobilizing youth and minority voters |
| CPI(M) (M.A. Baby) | Calls for secular unity | Building cross-party coalition |
| Raijor Dal (Akhil Gogoi) | Demands judicial review | Legal activism and grassroots mobilization |
The opposition is expected to announce a joint platform by November 2025.
📅 Key Political Milestones in Assam
| Event | Date | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Opposition Unity Meet | Oct 2025 | Formalization of anti-BJP alliance |
| Assembly Winter Session | Nov 2025 | Debates on minority rights and governance |
| Voter Registration Drive | Dec 2025 | Focus on youth and marginalized communities |
| Assam Assembly Elections | March 2026 | Test of BJP’s dominance and opposition unity |
The CPI(M) aims to contest at least 30 seats as part of the joint platform.
📌 Conclusion
CPI(M) leader M.A. Baby’s sharp criticism of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for allegedly fostering religious division has added fuel to an already volatile political climate. By calling for a united opposition front and highlighting the misuse of central agencies, Baby has positioned the CPI(M) as a key player in Assam’s secular resistance. As the state heads toward a crucial election cycle, the battle lines are being drawn—not just between parties, but between competing visions of democracy and pluralism.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, political statements, and expert commentary as of September 10, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or political advice.
