Senior advocate and civil rights activist Prashant Bhushan has launched a scathing attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of engaging in “every kind of lawless and illegal activity.” Speaking at a seminar in Guwahati on August 24, 2025, Bhushan alleged that the Sarma-led government is orchestrating illegal evictions, land grabs, and pushbacks of citizens to Bangladesh, while attempting to suppress scrutiny from independent observers and civil society leaders.
Bhushan’s remarks were made during a visit to Assam as part of a delegation of eminent personalities including Harsh Mander, Wajahat Habibullah, Fayaz Shaheen, Syeda Hameed, and Jawahar Sircar. The group had planned to visit eviction sites in Goalpara district but was reportedly blocked by local authorities citing prohibitory orders.
🧭 Timeline of Events and Escalation
| Date | Event Description | Political Impact |
|---|---|---|
| August 23, 2025 | Civil society delegation arrives in Assam | Plans to assess eviction impact |
| August 24, 2025 | Prashant Bhushan addresses seminar in Guwahati | Accuses CM of illegal governance |
| August 24, 2025 | CM Sarma responds via social media | Labels delegation as “agents of unrest” |
| August 25, 2025 | Political parties react to Bhushan’s allegations | BJP defends CM, opposition demands inquiry |
The seminar, titled “The State of the Nation with Special Reference to Assam,” was organized by Asom Nagarik Sanmilan, a citizen-led forum advocating for democratic accountability and human rights.
📊 Key Allegations Made by Prashant Bhushan
| Allegation | Description | Claimed Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Illegal Evictions | Forced displacement of families without due process | Thousands rendered homeless in Goalpara, Barpeta |
| Land Grabs for Corporates | Tribal and agricultural lands handed to private firms | Alleged favoritism toward Adani Group |
| Pushbacks to Bangladesh | Citizens forcibly sent across borders | Violation of constitutional rights |
| Suppression of Civil Society | Prohibitory orders to block fact-finding missions | Erosion of democratic oversight |
| Sedition Cases Against Journalists | FIRs against Siddharth Varadarajan, Karan Thapar, Abhisar Sharma | Chilling effect on press freedom |
Bhushan stated, “A complete loot is going on in Assam, and the Chief Minister wants to hide it. That’s why he fears independent people coming here to find out the truth.”
🔍 CM Sarma’s Counterclaim: Delegation Linked to Foreign Conspiracy
In a strongly worded response, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma accused the delegation of working in tandem with elements from Pakistan and Bangladesh to destabilize Assam. He claimed that the group’s sole aim was to portray lawful evictions as humanitarian crises and weaken the state’s fight against illegal encroachments.
| CM’s Allegation | Targeted Individuals | Justification Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Conspiracy | Harsh Mander, Prashant Bhushan, Wajahat Habibullah | “Agents of unrest” linked to NRC disruption |
| Selective Outreach | Meeting only minority leaders | “Agenda-driven activism” |
| Misinformation Campaign | Seminar and media statements | “Attempt to malign lawful actions” |
Sarma posted on X: “After Jamaat-e-Hind’s outburst demanding my dismissal, a Delhi-based team is now camping in Assam. Their sole aim is to paint lawful evictions as humanitarian crisis. We are alert and firm—no propaganda or pressure will stop us from protecting our land and culture.”
📉 Assam’s Eviction Drives: Scope and Controversy
Since 2021, the Assam government has conducted multiple eviction drives targeting alleged illegal settlements in forest lands, village grazing reserves, and government plots. A large majority of those evicted belong to Bengali-speaking Muslim communities, often labeled as “Miya Muslims.”
| District | Eviction Sites (2021–2025) | Displaced Families | Legal Challenges Filed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalpara | 5 | 3,200+ | 7 |
| Barpeta | 4 | 2,800+ | 5 |
| Darrang | 3 | 1,900+ | 3 |
| Nagaon | 2 | 1,200+ | 2 |
The government maintains that these evictions are backed by land records and court orders, while critics argue that they violate constitutional protections and disproportionately target minorities.
🧠 Delegation’s Credentials and Intent
The visiting delegation includes former bureaucrats, legal experts, and human rights activists with decades of public service. Bhushan questioned why the government fears scrutiny from individuals like Wajahat Habibullah (former Chief Information Commissioner), Syeda Hameed (former Planning Commission member), and Jawahar Sircar (former Prasar Bharati CEO).
| Delegate Name | Role/Background | Position on Assam Evictions |
|---|---|---|
| Harsh Mander | Human rights activist | Opposes forced displacement |
| Prashant Bhushan | Senior advocate, activist | Demands legal accountability |
| Wajahat Habibullah | Former CIC | Calls for transparency and review |
| Syeda Hameed | Ex-Planning Commission | Advocates humanitarian approach |
| Jawahar Sircar | Rajya Sabha MP, ex-CEO Prasar Bharati | Supports independent fact-finding |
The group was reportedly denied access to eviction sites in Goalpara due to Section 144 orders, which prohibit gatherings of more than five people.
📌 Conclusion
Prashant Bhushan’s explosive allegations against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma have reignited the debate over governance, human rights, and democratic accountability in the state. While the government defends its actions as lawful and necessary, civil society voices warn of a dangerous erosion of constitutional norms and humanitarian values.
As political tensions escalate, the need for independent oversight, judicial review, and transparent policymaking becomes more urgent than ever. Whether Bhushan’s claims lead to formal investigations or remain part of a broader ideological clash, the spotlight on Assam’s governance model is unlikely to dim anytime soon.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of August 25, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, political, or journalistic advice.
