Guwahati, July 31: The Special Branch of Assam Police is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse demographic changes in the state’s voter lists from 2001 to 2024, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced at a press conference on Wednesday. The initiative aims to identify potential demographic shifts that could impact the social fabric of the region.
Sarma elaborated on the project, revealing that the Special Branch is comparing the 2019 voter list with that of 2024, using AI to conduct a detailed religious breakdown. “Our SB is undertaking a project. They are comparing the 2019 voter list with 2024. We are doing the religious break-up utilising Artificial Intelligence,” Sarma stated.
He also urged the media to conduct similar analysis, noting that the voter lists are publicly accessible.
Sarma claimed that under his party’s governance, Assam has become less accommodating to illegal immigrants, particularly from Bangladesh. “I am sure that after BJP came to power, at least Assam is no longer a safe haven for Bangladeshis. That much I can say,” he asserted.
He contrasted Assam’s approach to border security with that of West Bengal, citing a statement by West Bengal’s Chief Minister regarding rehabilitation.
“You have all heard the statement of West Bengal Chief Minister. Even that statement has not been endorsed by the Bangladesh government. When an elected chief minister says I am going to open my border, I am going to rehabilitate, you can see how grave the situation is,” he said.
Sarma also addressed criticism from opposition parties regarding his claims of demographic changes. “When I told that demography is changing in Assam, the Congress people started questioning me. They asked for proof. Just check the 2024 voter list and compare it with the 2019 voter list. You will see the percentage of increase immediately,” the CM said.
The Chief Minister pointed out that while the voter list is not the same as a citizen list, it can provide insights into population growth trends. “If the percentage is increased by 14 percent, that means the population is also increasing,” he noted.
Addressing the issue of Rohingya refugees entering India through porous borders, Sarma expressed concern about the situation. “I am always of the view that Rohingyas are using the India-Bangladesh border. Assam is only a part of the Indo-Bangladesh border,” he said calling for stronger border security measures, particularly in West Bengal.
Sarma also predicted that the upcoming census could reveal alarming demographic trends in eastern India.
