Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma: Anti-India forces being subdued on Vijayadashami
Synopsis
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma used Vijayadashami greetings on 21 October to make a pointed political claim — that forces 'conspiring against India' have fallen silent with the arrival of the festival. Invoking Sanatan culture and the symbolism of Shakti's victory, Sarma blurred the line between religious observance and political messaging, without naming any specific group or incident.
Key Takeaways
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma extended Vijayadashami greetings on 21 October 2026 via an X post and media remarks in Guwahati .
Sarma claimed that forces 'plotting conspiracies against the country' have 'fallen silent' with the festival's arrival.
He invoked Sanatan culture and described the day as the victory of Shakti over evil forces.
Vijayadashami (Dussehra) marks Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga's triumph over Mahishasura .
The festival holds special significance in Assam , where Durga Puja celebrations conclude with idol immersions on this day.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, extended Vijayadashami greetings to the people of the state and the country, describing the festival as a symbol of the triumph of righteousness over unrighteousness. In remarks that carried a sharp political undertone, Sarma claimed that forces allegedly conspiring against India were now being subdued — linking the festival's spiritual significance to what he called a real-time victory of good over evil.
What Sarma Said
In a post on X, the Chief Minister invoked Sanatan culture and drew a direct line between the festival's mythology and the present moment. 'You all are seeing how, with the arrival of Vijayadashami, the demonic forces that were plotting conspiracies against the country have fallen silent. This is our eternal Sanatan culture; this is the victory of righteousness over unrighteousness,' Sarma wrote.
Speaking to the media separately during the Vijayadashami celebrations, he reiterated the theme: 'Today is the day of Shakti's victory over evil forces. As you have seen, closer to Vijaya Dashami, evil forces that were active are now being subdued. We will always see the good triumph over the evil. It will continue as per our parampara (tradition).'
The Festival and Its Significance
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is observed across India to mark the triumph of good over evil. In Hindu tradition, it commemorates both Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga's defeat of the demon Mahishasura. The festival holds particular resonance in Assam, where Durga Puja celebrations culminate on this day with the immersion of idols and religious processions marking the close of festivities.
Political Context
Sarma's remarks follow a pattern of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government using cultural and religious occasions to frame political messaging around national security and cultural identity. The Chief Minister did not name any specific individuals, groups, or incidents in connection with his references to 'demonic forces' or 'conspiracies against the country.'
Notably, this is not the first time Sarma has used Vijayadashami messaging to signal broader political intent — the festival's symbolism of decisive victory has become a recurring motif in his public communications.
Celebrations Across Assam
People across Guwahati and the rest of Assam marked the occasion with religious ceremonies, idol immersions, and cultural events on Wednesday. The Chief Minister's message came as festivities concluded across the state, reinforcing the day's enduring significance in Assam's social and spiritual life.
Point of View
The political message provides the sting. The references to 'demonic forces conspiring against the country' are deliberately vague: broad enough to resonate with supporters, specific enough to signal an adversary without requiring evidence. What goes underreported is the cumulative effect of such messaging — each iteration normalises the framing of political opponents or critics as existential threats to the nation. On a day of genuine religious and cultural significance for millions in Assam, the interweaving of faith with unattributed political allegations deserves more scrutiny than it typically receives.
NationPress
21 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma say on Vijayadashami 2026?
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on 21 October 2026 that forces 'plotting conspiracies against the country' have fallen silent with the arrival of Vijayadashami, describing this as the victory of Sanatan culture and righteousness over unrighteousness. He made these remarks both in an X post and during media interactions at the festival celebrations.
What is Vijayadashami and why is it significant in Assam?
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, marks the triumph of good over evil in Hindu tradition — celebrating Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga's defeat of Mahishasura. In Assam, it holds special significance as the day on which Durga Puja festivities conclude with idol immersions and religious processions.
Did Sarma name any specific group or person in his remarks?
No. Sarma did not name any specific individual, organisation, or incident in his references to 'demonic forces' or forces 'conspiring against the country.' His remarks were broadly framed around the festival's symbolism of good versus evil.
Where did Himanta Biswa Sarma make these statements?
Sarma made his remarks in Guwahati, Assam, on 21 October 2026 — through a post on social media platform X and separately in comments to the media during Vijayadashami celebrations.
Is this the first time Sarma has used Vijayadashami for political messaging?
According to reports, this is not the first occasion on which Sarma has used the festival's symbolism to frame broader political themes around national security and cultural identity. The victory-over-evil motif has appeared in his Vijayadashami communications in previous years as well.
