STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the survey of the indigenous Muslims of the state will start soon after the necessary approval from the Cabinet.
The Chief Minister said, "Over the years, the Congress and the AIUDF have been garnering the votes of the Muslims in the state through intimidation only, without developing their areas. However, we are carrying out development works for both the indigenous and pomua Muslims (immigrant Muslims for erstwhile East Bengal). We have done a lot of work for the indigenous Muslims. Now, we are going to carry out their survey. We are also carrying out developmental works for the pomua Muslims without keeping the hope of any reciprocation with votes. We are well aware of the fact that the pomua Muslims will not vote for the BJP, yet we let them avail of all the benefits of various schemes."
AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal was on record saying yesterday that 'Guwahati would wear a desolate look if the Miyans deserted the city for three days'.
Reacting to this statement, the Chief Minister said, "Yes, it's true. It's an unfortunate reality for us. We do not get autorickshaw drivers, vendors, and other small-time workers in Guwahati during the Idd. The sad part of the tale is that the lack of work culture among the Assamese youths has left all such jobs for the pomua Muslims. Guwahati provides job opportunities for around two lakh per day. However, the Assamese youths have failed to avail themselves of these opportunities. Work culture has no alternative. The lack of it will spell disaster for the Assamese. And a section of student organizations should make it a point that they should not do business by 'dadagiri' (bullying behaviour)."