Assam Eviction Row: BJP Sees Congress Hangover As Ex-Planning Commission Member Backs Bangladeshis

Last Updated:August 25, 2025, 09:18 IST

Syeda Saiyidain Hameed, who held the post during Manmohan Singh's regime, criticised the Assam government for committing “the most inhuman acts” against minority communities

Activist Syeda Saiyidain Hameed. (Screenshot)

Activist Syeda Saiyidain Hameed, who was also a Planning Commission member during the Manmohan Singh government, has triggered a massive political row in Assam with her statement justifying the “right" of Bangladeshis to live in India. The controversial stand has invited the ire of the BJP, which accused the Congress of “rewarding those who justify illegal infiltration and demographic seizure".

Hameed was part of a delegation of opposition leaders and policy makers, including Harsh Mander, Wajahat Habibullah, Fayaz Shaheen, Prashant Bhushan, and Jawahar Sircar who visited Assam recently. The team also visited Goalpara and adjoining areas where the state government has conducted eviction drives against Bangladeshis.

Speaking to the media after the visit, Hameed criticised the Assam government, alleging that it was committing “the most inhuman acts" against minority communities during the eviction operations.

“What is wrong in being Bangladeshi? Bangladeshis are also human beings; the Earth is very big, even Bangladeshis can live here. They are not depriving anyone of their rights. However, they [government] are saying Bangladeshis are depriving others of their rights. This is extremely mischievous and very detrimental to humanity. They are also human beings, Allah has made this Earth for humans, not for Satan. If a human being is staying somewhere, why should he be thrown out so mercilessly?" she asked.

Hameed’s comment drew a sharp reaction from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who said the delegation had come to the state to manipulate facts.

Taking to X, Sarma said: “After Jamaat-e-Hind’s outburst demanding my dismissal yesterday, a Delhi-based team—Harsh Mander, Wajahat Habibullah, Fayaz Shaheen, Prashant Bhushan, and Jawahar Sircar—is now camping in Assam. Their sole aim is to paint the lawful evictions as so-called “humanitarian crisis". This is nothing but a planned attempt to weaken our fight against illegal encroachers. We are alert and firm—no propaganda or pressure will stop us from protecting our land and culture."

The Asom Gana Parishad also condemned Hameed’s statement, with general secretary Tolan Konwar saying the activist could not understand the situation in the state as she wasn’t born there. “She does not have the same respect for Assam. So, it is obvious that she can’t understand the Bangladeshi issue in Assam. She is not even aware of the famous Assam Agitation. How dare she say that Assam can’t survive without Bangladeshis?"

Assam, India, India

News politics Assam Eviction Row: BJP Sees Congress Hangover As Ex-Planning Commission Member Backs Bangladeshis

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