Evictions and displacement may shape the verdict in some Assam seats in the upcoming 2024 elections. Abdur Rashid Mandal, the Raijor Dal candidate, has made eviction a prime focus of his campaign, claiming that over 1000 families have been affected and 5,000-8,000 people displaced in his constituency.
Mandal alleges that the evictions were part of a conspiracy by the ruling BJP-led coalition in the state, and that those affected have not been given any compensation or alternative land.
The state government has carried out over 30 major eviction drives since 2021, affecting thousands of people and demolishing hundreds of houses. The evictions have been criticized for targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims, who are referred to as Miyas.
Experts say that the evictions may be a ploy to win over the indigenous Assamese population, who have had a fear of 'outsiders' for decades.
The issue of evictions has reached the judiciary, with the Gauhati High Court directing the Assam government to provide basic facilities to families affected by the evictions.
The state government has vowed to continue the evictions, with Chief Minister Sarma saying that the pace will only double when they return to power.
