Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday (February 19, 2026) predicted a near-minority status for the indigenous Assamese people after the Census is conducted in 2027. Earlier, the Chief Minister said the Muslim population in Assam could become almost equal to that of the Hindus by 2041, if the current growth rate continues. According to the 2011 Census, Muslims accounted for 34.22% of the 3.12 crore population in Assam. It claims that the number of Muslim-majority districts, which increased from six in 2001 to nine in 2011, is now at least 11. Six of these—Barpeta, Dhubri, Goalpara, Hailakandi, Karimganj, and Nagaon—had a Muslim population ranging from 51% to 74.29%.

Source: The Hindu February 19, 2026 17:37 UTC