Is the Assamese Language Under Threat? Who Said What – Including CM

A political firestorm has erupted across Assam following a controversial remark by a student leader that many believe threatens the status of the Assamese language. The comment has triggered intense reactions from all major political quarters — including Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi, the All Assam Students' Union (AASU), and the Congress party.

The Spark: A Protest Turns Volatile

The controversy began during a protest in Bedlangmari, Kokrajhar, on July 9, where All BTC Minority Students’ Union (ABMSU) member Mainuddin Ali allegedly stated that Bengali-speaking Muslims would now begin listing Bengali — not Assamese — as their mother tongue in official documents. He further suggested that Assamese was losing its majority status in the state.

The statement, delivered in the context of demonstrations against eviction drives, was widely condemned as an attempt to stir linguistic and communal divisions at a time when Assam’s identity politics are already deeply fragile.

“Assamese Language Not Open to Blackmail”

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded strongly, calling the remarks dangerous and warning against politicizing language for personal or ideological gains.

"Language is not a tool for blackmail. Assamese is the state’s official language — that is permanent and protected under the Constitution and law. If someone chooses to list Bengali in voter rolls, it will only serve to identify the number of foreigners in the state," Sarma said.

Reacting strongly to the recent controversy over the status of the Assamese language, BJP Assam State President Dilip Saikia on Thursday condemned the remarks made by a member of the All BTC Minority Students’ Union (ABMSU), calling them a blatant attempt to create unrest and provoke the indigenous population.

“We strongly condemn the irresponsible statement made by the ABMSU member. Language, faith, and culture are the ornaments of Assam’s identity — not instruments of intimidation,” Saikia said.

Referring to the claim that Assamese could become a minority language, he added,

“What was said yesterday is not olonkar (ornament), but obhihaap (a curse). ABMSU is not the guardian of Assam or its people.”

Saikia also pointed out that Assamese has already achieved the status of a "Classical Language", and efforts to belittle it are nothing but political theatrics.

“These people are doing mere drama in the name of standing with the Assamese community. Their real aim is to disrupt peace and sow confusion,” he said.

Remove Mainuddin or Raijor Dal Cuts Ties with ABMSU

Raijor Dal president and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi also came down hard on ABMSU and demanded immediate disciplinary action against Mainuddin Ali.

"We all oppose the government’s eviction policies, but that cannot be an excuse to assault Assamese identity. Mainuddin’s comments were provocative and irresponsible," Gogoi said during a press conference.

He added that he has officially asked ABMSU to clarify whether the remark represents the organisation or was an individual outburst. Unless ABMSU removes Mainuddin from its ranks, Gogoi warned, Raijor Dal would end all ties with the student union.

"ABMSU must clearly state where they stand — with Assamese as the mother tongue of Assam or in favour of reducing it to a minority status. This ambiguity cannot continue," Gogoi asserted.

Echoing similar sentiments, Raijor Dal general secretary Ashraful Islam strongly condemned the attempt to politicize language under the cover of eviction protests.

“Everyone is upset over the inhumane eviction drives, but exploiting that pain to weaken Assamese language and identity is unacceptable. We oppose this dangerous rhetoric,” he said.

“This Is a Provocation to Divide Assam”

The All Assam Students' Union (AASU), which has long championed the cause of Assamese identity, also lashed out at the remark. President Utpal Sharma said the comment was not just divisive but deliberately provocative.

"This is not about language alone — it is about protecting the cultural survival of Assam’s indigenous communities. The real crisis is the unchecked demographic change being driven by illegal settlers. We must confront this now, or risk losing control of entire districts," Sharma warned.

“Assam’s Unity Is Non-Negotiable”

Senior Congress leader Rekibuddin Ahmed also stepped into the fray, invoking the legacy of Gopinath Bordoloi to condemn any effort that might fracture Assam’s unity.

"Gopinath Bordoloi envisioned a united Assam — not one divided by language or religion. The Congress stands firm in support of Assamese language and culture. We will never compromise on national or regional interests," Ahmed said.

He also addressed the issue of land evictions, particularly in Sarupathar, pledging that Congress will stand with affected communities in their struggle for justice.

ABMSU in Damage Control Mode

In the face of mounting public backlash, ABMSU leadership issued a clarification distancing itself from Mainuddin Ali’s statement. President Taison Hussain said the remarks were made in a personal capacity and did not reflect the organization’s official position.

"Our protests were solely against inhumane evictions. What Mainuddin said does not represent ABMSU. Only the general secretary or president is authorized to speak on behalf of the union," Hussain clarified.

He further reiterated ABMSU’s respect for the Assamese language and said internal discussions were underway regarding appropriate action.

ALSO READ: Assam Must Oust 'Chacha-Mama' Duo for Peace: Akhil Gogoi