Assam health minister Ashok Singhal's controversial remarks targeting Miyas (Bengali-speaking Muslims) triggered an uproar in the Assam assembly on Tuesday, March 4. Opposition All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) MLAs staged a protest, demanding a breach of privilege motion against him.
The row stemmed from Singhal’s recent speech in Dhekiajuli, where he suggested banning Miyas from running shops during Hindu festivals.
In Assam, Miya is a term often used derogatorily for Bengali-speaking Muslim immigrants of Bangladeshi origin — a community of over a crore people known for its role in the 1980s anti-foreigner movement.
Addressing a public meeting, Singhal reportedly declared he had "zero support" for Miyas, urging locals to side with him and avoid mingling with them.
In a viral video, the BJP MLA can also be heard saying, "Don’t give it (shops) to Miyas (during Bhaona event). Give it to our youths. How can Miyas enter our festival? Our boys do not enter on Eid. I am not with them. If you mingle with them, I am not with you."
The protest triggered chaos in the Assembly, prompting Speaker Biswajit Daimary to adjourn the proceedings for nearly 20 minutes.
AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam sought a breach of privilege motion, accusing Singhal of spreading communal hatred. Islam said, “He has made it publicly clear that he dislikes an entire community. He should be dismissed as a minister, and if he is to continue, he must apologize for his remarks.”
He also alleged that Singhal’s comments implied the exclusion of Miyas from government welfare schemes.
