A sharp political and legal confrontation has erupted in Assam after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma issued strong remarks against former civil servant and peace activist Harsh Mander, following a police complaint filed by Mander against the chief minister.
In a recent media interview, Sarma made a combative statement targeting Mander, saying, “Who is Harsh Mander? I have seen many such people in my life. He damaged the NRC in Assam and if I had been in a position then, I would have taught him a lesson. Now that he has filed a case against me, just watch how many cases will be filed against him. At least 100 cases will be filed against him. I have material to initiate cases. Since he has targeted Himanta Biswa Sarma, he will get a response. He will know when I target him.”
The remarks have drawn criticism from rights groups and opposition leaders, who argue that such statements from a constitutional authority amount to intimidation and misuse of state power.
Background of the Dispute
According to Harsh Mander, he filed a police complaint against the Assam chief minister over public statements made by Sarma on January 27, 2026. Mander alleged that the statements promoted hatred, harassment, and discrimination against Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam.
In his complaint, Mander sought the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita, 2023. These include:
- Section 196: Promoting enmity between different groups and acts prejudicial to harmony
- Section 197: Assertions prejudicial to national integration
- Section 299: Malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings
- Section 302: Uttering words with intent to wound religious feelings
- Section 353: Statements conducing to public mischief
Mander stated that the chief minister’s comments risked deepening social divisions in a state that has already experienced prolonged tension over citizenship and identity issues linked to the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Political Reactions
Opposition parties have accused Sarma of behaving in a manner unbecoming of a constitutional functionary. They contend that threatening to file “100 cases” against a complainant undermines the rule of law and sends a chilling message to critics and whistleblowers.
Civil rights organisations and activists have also expressed concern, warning that the language used by the chief minister could encourage hostility against minority communities and weaken democratic institutions.
The ruling party, however, has defended Sarma, claiming that his statements were taken out of context and that he has the right to respond legally to what it calls “false and motivated allegations.”
Wider Implications
The episode has revived debate over the use of strong rhetoric by political leaders and its impact on social harmony in Assam, a state that has witnessed sensitive political movements around migration, identity, and citizenship.
Legal experts note that if a formal FIR is registered, the matter could move into judicial scrutiny, potentially escalating into a high profile legal battle between a sitting chief minister and a prominent activist.
For now, the standoff highlights a growing tension between political authority and civil society voices, with critics warning that threats of mass litigation could set a dangerous precedent for dissent in a democratic system.
As developments unfold, the controversy is expected to remain a major political flashpoint in Assam, with implications for governance, free speech and communal harmony.
