In a scathing critique, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti condemned Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's recent statements blaming Muslims for the surge in prices, highlighting the BJP-led government's failure to address pressing issues such as unemployment and inflation. Mufti emphasized the need for the judiciary to take suo-motu notice of Sarma's remarks, drawing parallels to the swift action taken against Rahul Gandhi for raising concerns about corruption.
Mufti took to Twitter, stating, "Assam CM blaming Muslims for crippling price rise shows BJP's utter failure on unemployment, inflation, and lack of development. Himanta Biswa is openly urging Hindus to forcibly take away even their meagre forms of livelihood - vegetable vendors and kirana shops. While the judiciary took quick action against Rahul Gandhi for raising legitimate questions on corruption, what stops them from taking suo moto notice of the Assam CM's fire-stoking statements..."
Sarma's comments were made in response to questions from reporters regarding the high price of vegetables in Guwahati. He alleged that "Miya vendors" (a term historically used as a derogatory reference to Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam) charged higher prices compared to Assamese vendors. Sarma expressed his intentions to encourage Assamese people to reclaim business opportunities and clear the footpaths of Guwahati.
The opposition parties in Assam swiftly criticized Sarma, accusing the BJP leader of indulging in communal politics. They argued that his remarks further divided communities and undermined the principles of inclusivity.
