Manipur CM Criticizes Tejashwi Yadav Over “Racist” Remarks Against Himanta Biswa Sarma
A political spat has intensified between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav over the Assam government’s decision to end the practice of a two-hour assembly session adjournment for Jumma prayers.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, a prominent leader of the ruling BJP, clarified that the decision to scrap the Jumma break was made collectively by all MLAs, including both Hindu and Muslim leaders. However, Tejashwi Yadav accused Sarma’s party of using Muslims as “soft targets” to foster hate and polarize society.
The controversy escalated after Tejashwi Yadav posted on social media platform X, criticizing Sarma for allegedly trying to “gain cheap popularity” and comparing him to a “Chinese version of Yogi,” a reference to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
In his response, Sarma pointed out that the decision was not his alone but was supported by all Hindu and Muslim legislators. He emphasized that no Muslim MLAs objected when the assembly Speaker announced the removal of the Jumma break. Assam’s legislative assembly comprises 126 members, including 25 Muslim MLAs.
The Assam CM also noted that the decision had bipartisan support, including from Congress. He expressed surprise that people outside Assam were opposing the move without fully understanding the context, stating, “There is no such break in any other assembly in Bihar or the country.”
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, also from the BJP, entered the fray by condemning Tejashwi Yadav for what he described as “racist” remarks against Sarma. Singh accused Yadav of labeling the Assam CM as “Chinese” solely because he hails from the northeast. He further criticized the INDI Alliance, suggesting that its leaders lack knowledge about India’s history and geography.
“First, it was Sam Pitroda, and now it’s Tejashwi Yadav being racist towards the people of the northeast. It’s unfortunate that a leader from a national party would resort to such rhetoric,” Singh said in a social media post.
Himanta Biswa Sarma also addressed Yadav’s criticism, calling it “hypocrisy.” Sarma questioned whether Bihar had any such Jumma break during Yadav’s tenure as Deputy Chief Minister, challenging him to implement similar practices in his state before preaching to others.
Sarma concluded by stating that the criticism is mostly from outside Assam, while the state’s MLAs are focused on working towards the region’s development.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in Indian politics, where issues of religion and regional identity often become flashpoints in broader political debates.