Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday claimed that Bengali-speaking Hindus in the state have enjoyed their most secure and comfortable period over the past ten years under BJP rule.

Speaking at a public event, Sarma said his government has worked to address the community’s concerns, including restoring Aadhaar cards and stopping new citizenship-related cases. “No government in the past has done as much as we are doing. But everything has to follow due process, otherwise courts will intervene,” he added.

On community relations, Sarma noted that differences between Assamese and Bengali-speaking populations have largely diminished, with Hindus now identifying more with their religion than their mother tongue.

He also pointed out measures against illegal immigration, stating that security forces are preventing infiltration through Assam, Tripura, and Meghalaya. He acknowledged that middlemen, particularly in Tripura, help facilitate illegal entry for money.

Responding to criticism from TMC MP Sushmita Dev, who said Hindu Bengalis still face difficulties, Sarma alleged she was trying to “divide Hindu society” and pointed out her political shift to Bengal.

Regarding the Bengali language, Sarma distanced himself from remarks attributed to BJP leader Amit Malviya and reaffirmed the party’s support. “Bengali is not a foreign language. How can we oppose it when the Centre has recognized it as a classical language? What matters is what Prime Minister Narendra Modi says,” he said.