Humanity Over Religion: Ajmal Calls for Unity Amid Assam’s Polarising Politics

During a rally on August 5 in Barpeta, AIUDF president Badruddin Ajmal appealed to politicians across Assam to abandon religion‑centric rhetoric and adopt a human‑first approach. He warned that the constant focus on Hindu‑Muslim issues by the BJP‑run state government is fragmenting society and distracting voters from real concerns such as jobs, health services, and infrastructure.

Ajmal said, “You will never be Hindu or Muslim in the eyes of progress; you will always be a human being. Until leaders act like humans, the community will remain divided.” He condemned statements that exacerbate sectarian sentiment, labeling the speakers as “worse than animals.”

He called for an immediate halt to any dialogue that places religion at the centre of public debate. Instead, he urged parties to concentrate on development projects, livelihood schemes, and social harmony that benefit the broader population.

The BJP has maintained that its policies are aimed at inclusive growth for all Assamese citizens and has dismissed Ajmal’s accusations as politically motivated attempts to create a false narrative of division. In turn, the ruling party charged AIUDF with identity‑based politics aimed at capturing votes on communal lines.

The back‑and‑forth illustrates the heightened tension in Assam’s political arena, where both sides are locked in a struggle to define the state’s future amid competing claims over religion, identity and development.