Assam BJP's Election Committee Convener Himanta Biswa Sarma's statement during the campaign will in "no way affect the minorities but has severely affected BJP's prospects in the second phase polls in Lower and Central Assam", Ajmal told PTI.
The two-phased Assembly polls in the state took place on April 4 and April 11.
The process of updating the National Register of Citizens is currently on in Assam with 1971 as the base year which was agreed upon in the Assam Accord.
"The demand for 1951 as the base year will in no way affect majority of the Muslims as most can trace their family linkage to 1951 but will actually affect the Hindu Bengalis as most came from Bangladesh after 1971", Ajmal said.
AIUDF's stand on the issue of foreigners has been clear from the beginning that all foreigners who have come after 1971 must leave but genuine citizens should not be harassed at any cost, Ajmal said.
"Bangladeshis must go. We do not want them to be in Assam but genuine citizens of the country who have been living in the state for generations should not be harassed. I have stated the same in Parliament," he said.
"Our party was in existence for six months before the scrapping of the IMDT Act in 2005 and we are not for protecting foreigners," he said.
Asked about his party being viewed primarily as a party for the minorities, the AIUDF chief said this was "not true. We are a secular party committed to the development of all communities in the state".
On allegations that madarsas in Assam were emerging as hubs for jihadis, Ajmal said these are just "speculation and an example of witch-hunting".
"There is no jihadi activities in madarsas. In most cases, it has been found that people are arrested on suspicion but later released after several years, thereby completely ruining their lives", he said.
Police should arrest only those against whom they have concrete evidence of indulging in such activities and not ruin the lives of people by keeping them in jails, Ajmal said.
You’ve hit your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online
Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app