Guwahati: A political storm has erupted in Assam following a controversial statement by BJP legislator Bijoy Malakar, who likened a former constituency to Pakistan, triggering widespread condemnation and outrage. The remark, made during a public event attended by state minister Krishnaendu Paul and senior government officials, has been labelled as deeply communal and divisive.
The incident unfolded during a gathering at Fakua and Nagendranagar villages, which followed an official inspection of a ₹100-crore fisheries project at Son Beel. Addressing the crowd, Malakar, who represents the Ramkrishnanagar constituency, claimed that parts of the former South Karimganj constituency, which now fall under Patharkandi, were previously a ‘mini-Pakistan’ due to the area’s demographics.
“These areas were earlier under South Karimganj, and no development took place because the MLA belonged to one community while the people living there were from another,” Malakar stated. “Now, after delimitation, these areas fall under the Patharkandi constituency. They are no longer part of Pakistan but have joined Hindustan. Development will finally begin here,” he added, drawing sharp criticism for his communally charged language.
The gathering, led by Fisheries Minister Krishnaendu Paul, was attended by top state officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary and Director of the Fisheries Department. The controversial statement was made at the very beginning of Malakar’s speech, leaving many in attendance stunned.
Political observers believe the statement has the potential to escalate tensions in the sensitive Barak Valley region, where such remarks are viewed with extreme caution. As of now, there has been no official statement from the BJP or the state government addressing the controversy, a silence that is only fueling further criticism.
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