Himanta Biswa Sarma: If Rahul Gandhi leads population control drive, growth will drop drastically

In a pointed remark aimed at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma suggested that if Gandhi were to become the brand ambassador for a population control campaign, the state's population growth could see an immediate decline.

Speaking on the matter, Sarma stated, "I feel that it is the responsibility of the Congress to address the population issue in the state of Assam because the people listen to Congress leaders. If Rahul Gandhi becomes the brand ambassador of the population control drive, the population growth will drastically decrease starting tomorrow."

Sarma elaborated on the influence Gandhi holds among certain demographics in Assam, particularly in Muslim villages. "If not instantly, it will happen because they listen to him, not me. They consider me their enemy. If you go to a Muslim village and ask them to choose between listening to Himanta Biswa Sarma or Rahul Gandhi, everyone will say they will listen to Rahul Gandhi. Similarly, if you ask them to choose between Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi, they will still choose Rahul Gandhi."

The Chief Minister stated that Gandhi's involvement could be pivotal in addressing the population challenge. "Therefore, when it comes to population control, if anyone can play a significant role, it is Rahul Gandhi and no one else," Sarma said.