March 27, 2025: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has raised questions about the journalistic credentials of Dilwar Hussain Mazumdar, stating that he does not fall under the government’s definition of a journalist. Addressing the issue, Sarma remarked that individuals working in digital news portals are not officially recognized as journalists by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).

“We do not consider those working in portals as journalists. No portal has been granted media recognition by DIPR,” the Chief Minister stated, highlighting the government's stance on digital journalism.

Sarma further questioned whether Mazumdar should be identified as a journalist or a businessman, pointing out his involvement in multiple businesses, including the dumper trade. “He owns 4-5 dumpers along with several other businesses,” Sarma claimed.

Referring to Mazumdar’s conduct, the Chief Minister accused him of displaying "hateful behavior" towards a person from the Bodo community. Additionally, he mentioned that the journalist had claimed to have a significant amount of debt.

On the issue of press freedom, Sarma clarified that no journalist has been arrested for writing against him. “No one has been arrested till date for writing against the Chief Minister,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister also indicated that if the Press Club or other journalists take responsibility for Mazumdar, he could be released. However, he posed a critical question regarding accountability: “But who will take responsibility if he gets involved in a dumper-related case?”

The remarks have sparked discussions in media circles, raising concerns about the status and recognition of digital journalists in Assam.