The chief minister explained that his comments were rooted strictly in historical chronology and context, not in any attempt to diminish religious harmony or cultural coexistence. According to Sarma, Azan Pir arrived in Assam from foreign lands nearly two centuries after Srimanta Sankardeva and his foremost disciple Madhavdeva had already laid the foundations of the Vaishnavite movement in the region.
Emphasising the temporal and cultural distinctions, Sarma stated that Sankardeva and Madhavdeva were indigenous reformers whose influence shaped Assamese society, language, and spiritual life long before Azan Pir’s arrival. On this basis, he argued that placing all three figures on an identical historical footing would be inaccurate and misleading.
The chief minister further said that his intention was to present historical facts as they are, without political or ideological distortion. He maintained that acknowledging differences in timelines and origins does not negate respect for any individual, but rather ensures intellectual honesty in public discourse and education.
Sarma’s remarks come amid an ongoing debate in Assam over the interpretation of history and the representation of religious and cultural figures in official narratives. While critics accused him of creating unnecessary divisions, the chief minister countered that informed discussion must be grounded in documented history rather than emotional reactions.
The episode highlights the sensitivity surrounding historical memory in Assam, where questions of identity, heritage, and chronology often intersect with contemporary politics. As the debate continues, Sarma’s clarification underscores the broader challenge faced by leaders in balancing historical accuracy with social cohesion in a diverse society.
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