Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has raised alarm over alleged infiltration in the state, warning that it could transform into a “mini-Bangladesh.” According to the Sources, Sarma criticized the Hemant Soren-led government for what he described as a failure to protect Jharkhand’s tribal culture and “Adivasi asmita.”
Sarma emphasized that the increasing presence of what he termed “infiltrators” threatens the state’s demographic balance, particularly in the Santhal Pargana region. He claimed that the tribal population is dwindling while the Muslim population is growing, linking this trend to illegal immigration. “If this continues, Jharkhand will see a demographic change,” he asserted, urging voters to prioritize the removal of infiltrators.
Highlighting BJP’s electoral promises, Sarma stated that the party plans to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Jharkhand to identify and expel undocumented immigrants. He added that children of immigrants who marry tribal women would not receive Scheduled Tribe benefits, and such marriages would disqualify tribal women from contesting tribal leadership elections.
Sarma also targeted Congress candidate Irfan Ansari, alleging that his remarks against BJP’s Sita Soren were derogatory and hinted at legal action against him. “People like Irfan Ansari are influential in Santhal Pargana and the government is protecting them,” Sarma stated.
In response to the criticisms leveled against the BJP, party MP Nishikant Dubey accused Congress and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha of neglecting tribal interests for vote bank politics, attributing a reported 11 percent rise in the Muslim population in Santhal Pargana to Bangladeshi infiltrators.
With elections scheduled for November 13 and 20, and results to be declared on November 23, the BJP aims to galvanize support around these contentious issues, framing the narrative around cultural preservation and demographic integrity as central themes of their campaign.
(Input from the Agencies)
