Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that by 2041, the Muslim population in Assam is projected to surpass the Hindu population, turning the state into a Muslim-majority region.

Addressing a gathering in Guwahati, Sarma highlighted a significant rise in the Muslim population, noting an increase of 29 to 30 percent every decade. He stated, "The growth rate of the Muslim population in Assam significantly exceeds that of Hindus. At this pace, Muslims will form the majority by 2041."

Sarma elaborated on the figures, pointing out that while the Hindu population grows by 16 percent, the Muslim population—numbering 1.40 crore in 2011—has been growing at a faster rate. He emphasized that the Muslim population increases by 22 lakh every decade, based on Census data.

In his remarks, Sarma also took a jab at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, suggesting that if Gandhi promoted population control, it might help manage the growth, as his influence is notable among the Muslim community.

Sarma previously expressed concerns about demographic changes in Jharkhand, where Muslims currently make up 40% of the population, up from 12% in 1951. He described the issue as critical, beyond mere politics, and essential for his governance.

Additionally, the Assam government announced on Thursday its plan to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act of 1935. This decision, outlined in the Assam Repealing Bill 2024, will be introduced in the upcoming monsoon session of the state assembly.

In a statement on social media platform X, Sarma stated, "Our cabinet has decided to repeal the 1935 Act to enhance justice and protection for our daughters and sisters, including stricter measures against child marriages."

The State Cabinet has also instructed the drafting of new legislation for the registration of Muslim marriages in Assam, to be reviewed in the next Assembly session.

Sarma highlighted the decline in teenage pregnancies in Assam as evidence of progress in curbing child marriages, attributing this success to the government’s stringent measures.

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