Political Firestorm in Assam: Union Minister Hits Out at Hameed for Supporting Bangladeshis

New Delhi: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday strongly criticised Sayeda Hameed, a former Planning Commission member during the Manmohan Singh government, for her remarks supporting the presence of Bangladeshis in India, calling them “misleading.”

Hameed, visiting Assam alongside activists including Prashant Bhushan and Harsh Mandar, stated, “What is wrong if they are Bangladeshis? Bangladeshis are also humans. Earth is so large, Bangladeshis can live here. Not depriving anyone’s rights.” Her comments come amid the Assam government’s efforts to remove illegal settlers from government lands, which she alleged disproportionately targeted Muslims.

Responding to Hameed, Rijiju said, “Misleading in the name of humanity. It’s about our land and identity. Why are minority Buddhists, Christians, Hindus & Sikhs persecuted in Bangladesh and Pakistan? Sayeda Hameed may be close to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi but shouldn’t support illegal migrants.”

In a related development, Prashant Bhushan criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of “lawless and illegal activities,” alleging that the state government is pushing citizens to Bangladesh and demolishing homes illegally. He called it a “complete loot,” claiming the government is attempting to hide its actions from public scrutiny.

Chief Minister Sarma defended his administration’s measures, suggesting that interventions by Congress leaders and activists like Hameed could destabilise the state.