Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing the party of having allowed large-scale infiltration in Assam for electoral gains during its years in power. Addressing a public gathering in Assam, Shah said the alleged policy of appeasement by previous Congress governments had endangered the state’s culture, land and identity.
Shah claimed that illegal infiltration remained unchecked for decades because it suited the Congress’s “vote bank politics”. He asserted that since the BJP came to power, the government has taken firm steps to address the issue, including action against encroachment and measures to strengthen border management. Seeking public support ahead of upcoming elections, the Home Minister said the BJP needs another term to make Assam free from illegal infiltration, promising tougher action in the coming years.
The remarks, however, drew a swift response from the Congress. Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, hit back at Shah, questioning the BJP’s own record on the issue. Gogoi alleged that there were serious questions about the citizenship status of some BJP legislators in Assam, and said the ruling party should first clarify these issues before making accusations against the Congress.
He accused the BJP of using the infiltration issue as a political tool to divert attention from governance challenges and claimed that the party was misleading people for electoral advantage.
The exchange highlights how illegal immigration and identity politics continue to dominate Assam’s political discourse, especially with elections approaching. The issue has long remained a sensitive subject in the state, shaping debates around citizenship, land rights and cultural preservation, and is once again emerging as a key flashpoint between the BJP and the Congress.
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