Assam CM Alleges Over 5,000 Foreign Social Media Accounts Backing State Congress, Flags National Security Concern

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday claimed that over 5,000 social media accounts — many of them allegedly operated from Islamic countries — are actively supporting the Assam unit of the Congress party. He warned that the development poses a potential national security threat ahead of the 2026 state assembly elections.

Addressing a press conference, Sarma said that these accounts, originating from 47 countries — mainly Pakistan and Bangladesh — have shown unusual interest in the activities of a specific Congress leader in Assam, while ignoring posts by senior party figures like Rahul Gandhi.

“It is surprising that they do not comment on or like posts by Rahul Gandhi or even the Indian National Congress. They are only focused on a particular leader and the Assam Congress,” he was quoted as saying by PTI.

While Sarma did not explicitly name the leader in question, he appeared to be referring to Gaurav Gogoi, who was appointed president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee in late May.

“We are not concerned about the change in the party’s state leadership. But this sudden spike in activity coincides with that change, and there must be a link,” he added.

Foreign Involvement in Assam Politics ‘Unprecedented’

Sarma said this is the first time such large-scale foreign digital activity has been observed in Assam’s political landscape.

A forensic audit of the accounts, according to Sarma, revealed the following origin points:

• Bangladesh: 700 accounts

• Pakistan: 350

• Saudi Arabia: 246

• Kuwait: 86

• Afghanistan: 35

Some of the accounts had their locations marked as Guwahati, raising suspicions of possible local operatives.

National Security Concerns and Government Action

The Assam CM said the central government has been briefed on the matter and emphasized the seriousness of the issue from a national security perspective.

“These accounts are not just commenting on political matters. Many are also linked to content promoting Islamic fundamentalism and are sympathetic to causes like Palestine, Iran, and figures like Mohammad Yunus of Bangladesh,” he said.

Sarma also alleged that some foreigners had rented accommodations in two Guwahati localities and are working with local YouTubers and influencers. Surveillance is reportedly underway.

“There are even plans to establish a call centre in Kolkata to manage these digital activities,” Sarma added, warning that these networks may expand further and adopt Hindu-sounding names in the future to avoid detection.

He claimed the indigenous and migrant Muslim community in Assam would not post such content and distanced them from the alleged activity.

Historical Context and Final Warning

Sarma concluded by stating that Assam and the Northeast have long been on the radar of international fundamentalist groups, who he claimed have an “unfinished agenda” of severing the Siliguri Corridor (or ‘chicken’s neck’) and integrating parts of the region into Bangladesh.

“We are in a very critical situation. The entire matter is being looked into from the national security angle,” the chief minister said.