Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday (January 02, 2026) alleged that the Congress is charging Rs 3 to 4 crore from party members seeking candidature from ‘Miya-Muslim’ (Bengali-speaking Muslims) dominated constituencies in the assembly elections. He claimed that the opposition party’s ‘system’ is based on money.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an official program organized in Sonitpur district, Sarma alleged, ‘For the seats where Mia-Muslims are in majority, Congress will take Rs 3 to 4 crore from its candidates. He had taken almost the same amount in the last elections also.
Who are Miya-Muslims?
‘Miya’ is a term originally used for Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam and non-Bengali-speaking people generally consider them to be Bangladeshi immigrants. In recent years, activists in this community have started adopting the term as a symbol of protest.
The delimitation process for the 126-member Assembly of Assam took place in 2023 and about 25 seats are considered ‘Miya-Muslim’ dominated. The Chief Minister claimed, ‘Some candidates have also made advance payment.’
CM Himanta criticized Congress
Till the time of writing the news, there was no reaction from the Congress on the Chief Minister’s allegations. Sarma also criticized the Congress for charging an application fee of Rs 50,000 from each ticket aspirant.
He said, ‘The party (Congress) did not even refund the application fees to its members on those seats where its allies had contested last time. Their system is based on money, but in BJP, we do not charge any money or fees from our members to apply for party ticket.
Those asking for tickets will have to pay Rs 50 thousand
Congress on Friday started the application process for the assembly elections proposed in March-April this year. Congress sources said that applicants desirous of tickets will have to deposit Rs 50,000 through bank draft. Forms can be submitted to the state party headquarters from January 5 to 20.
