Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma (File photo)

NEW DELHI: Despite the backlash over his remarks on Assam’s “Miyas,” chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday warned that they would face “trouble” as long as he remains in power.He reiterated that the “Miyas” should continue to face difficulties in order to leave the poll-bound state.The BJP leader told reporters on the sidelines of a government programme in Goalpara, “If I remain in Assam, they will face troubles. They can’t live in peace here. Only if we create difficulties for them will they leave.”Sarma described such people as “illegal Bangladeshis” and said they should not be allowed to work in the state.Referring to an earlier comment about a “Miya” rickshaw-puller charging Rs 5 in fare and being paid Rs 4, the chief minister asked, “I had, in fact, spoken for their benefit. By law, they cannot work here. Citizens of a country can work in their own land. How can those from Bangladesh work?”The term “Miya” is considered pejorative and is used for Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam, whom non-Bengali speakers often identify as Bangladeshi immigrants.Sarma added that “if they cannot accept me speaking for their benefit, then I have to work against them.”He claimed that “Bangladeshi Muslims” could constitute 40% of Assam’s population in the next Census. He also accused them of encroaching on satras (Vaishnavite seats of learning), land, and engaging in “love jihad” and “fertiliser jihad.”Opposition parties have condemned Sarma’s remarks as “hate speech” and demanded action.Assam is scheduled to hold assembly elections in March–April for all 126 constituencies. The BJP has been in power in the state since 2016, marking its first term.(With PTI inputs)