Amit Shah Accuses Congress of Altering Assam's Demographic Landscape
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday launched a sharp critique against the Congress party, accusing it of fundamentally changing the demographic composition of poll-bound Assam. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 10th Mising Youth Festival in Kareng Chapori, Dhemaji district, Shah characterized this as a troubling trend that the current BJP-led central government is actively working to reverse.
Allegations of Demographic Shift During Congress Rule
The senior BJP leader presented specific figures to support his claims, alleging that Assam's demography underwent complete transformation under Congress governance. "During Congress rule, the population of infiltrators rose dramatically from virtually nil to 64 lakh," Shah asserted. He further claimed that this demographic change resulted in infiltrators becoming the majority population in seven districts of the state.
Shah connected these demographic concerns directly to the upcoming assembly elections, making an impassioned appeal to voters. "If you want to stop infiltration and protect Assam's identity, then elect the BJP government for a third consecutive term," he urged the gathered crowd. The Home Minister specifically asked voters to strengthen the hands of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma through their electoral support.
BJP's Track Record and Future Promises
Highlighting what he described as the BJP's achievements in addressing these issues, Shah pointed to concrete actions taken during the party's tenure in Assam. "Two successive BJP state governments have already freed approximately 1.26 lakh acres of land from encroachment by infiltrators," he stated, presenting this as evidence of the party's commitment to reversing demographic changes.
The BJP first assumed power in Assam in May 2016 and successfully secured re-election five years later. Now, as the state prepares for elections in April, the party is campaigning vigorously for what would be an unprecedented third consecutive term in office.
Recognition of Mising Community's Role
During his address, Shah specifically acknowledged the significant contribution of the Mising community in preventing infiltrators from settling in Upper Assam. He praised their traditional values and work ethic, suggesting these cultural factors had created a natural barrier against settlement by outsiders.
"It is the responsibility of the Mising community to continue preventing infiltration," Shah remarked. "You don't need to resort to weapons or violence. Through your culture of hard work and dedication, infiltrators have found it impossible to establish themselves in your regions."
Broader Tribal Concerns and BJP's Commitment
The Home Minister expanded his critique to include broader issues affecting tribal communities in Assam. He alleged that multiple tribal groups struggled to protect their cultural identity and rights during the Congress regime, facing what he described as systematic neglect.
In contrast, Shah emphasized the BJP government's commitment to addressing the specific concerns of the Mising society. He revealed that the central government had appointed a dedicated interlocutor to work directly with the community, ensuring their issues receive proper attention and resolution through formal channels.
The political significance of Shah's remarks extends beyond immediate electoral considerations, touching upon fundamental questions of identity, migration, and governance that have long shaped Assam's complex socio-political landscape.
