Himanta Biswa Sarma Warns of Threat to Hindus and Tribals in Jharkhand Due to Unchecked Infiltration

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sounded an alarm over the future of Hindus and tribals in Jharkhand, claiming that unchecked infiltration from Bangladesh could drastically alter the state’s demographic landscape. Sarma, who is also the BJP’s co-incharge for the upcoming Jharkhand elections, made these remarks during a political rally in Kharsawan, Seraikela-Kharsawan district, accusing the Jharkhand government of playing vote bank politics at the expense of local communities.Sarma warned that if infiltration continues at its current rate, there could be no place left for Hindus and tribals in Jharkhand within the next 20 years. “The pace of infiltration is alarming,” he said, adding, “If this trend continues, the Hindus and tribals will face a bleak future in Jharkhand.”Citing demographic data, Sarma highlighted a significant shift in population dynamics. In the past, Hindus and tribals together accounted for 90% of the population in Santhal Pargana, with tribals making up 44%. However, by 2011, the Hindu population had dwindled to 67%, and the tribal population had dropped to just 28%. Meanwhile, the Muslim population in the region had surged from 10% to 22% during the same period, according to Sarma.Sarma’s comments come amid growing concerns over illegal immigration, particularly from Bangladesh, which he argues is contributing to these demographic changes. He framed the upcoming state elections as a stark choice: one between the “dictatorship of the JMM-led coalition” and the “development model” put forward by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The BJP leader’s statements are likely to intensify the political debate in Jharkhand as the state prepares for its elections, with the issue of illegal immigration and its impact on local communities expected to be a major talking point.