Amit Shah Concludes High-Voltage Assam Campaign with Strong Immigration Stance
Union Home Minister Amit Shah mounted a powerful final campaign push for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Assam's Barak Valley on Tuesday, delivering a series of hard-hitting rallies in Patharkandi, Hailakandi, and Silchar. With campaigning ending for thirteen assembly constituencies set to vote on April 9, Shah framed the election as a decisive battle against illegal immigration, making bold promises and launching sharp attacks on political opponents.
"Every Infiltrator Identified," Deportation Within Five Years Promised
In his addresses, Shah declared that every single infiltrator in Assam has been identified through government efforts. He made a significant pledge, stating that if the BJP returns to power, all identified illegal immigrants would be deported from the state within the next five years. This announcement formed the cornerstone of his campaign message, emphasizing national security as the primary election issue.
Shah directly linked Assam's security concerns to the upcoming West Bengal elections, suggesting that a BJP government in Kolkata would enable coordinated action between Assam, Tripura, and West Bengal to completely eliminate infiltration from the region. West Bengal is scheduled to vote on April 19 and 23, creating what Shah presented as a crucial opportunity for regional security cooperation.
Scathing Criticism of Congress Immigration Policies
The Home Minister launched a fierce attack on the Congress party's historical approach to immigration. He accused Congress of deliberately settling "ghuspetias" (infiltrators) in Assam for political gain and electoral benefits. Shah pointed to the party's opposition to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and its role in introducing the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act of 1983 as evidence of what he called Congress's intent to shield illegal immigrants.
"Congress has consistently worked against Assam's interests when it comes to protecting borders and identifying illegal residents," Shah asserted during his rallies, connecting historical policies with current political positions.
Land Reclamation and Development Promises
Praising Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's administration, Shah highlighted that the Assam government has successfully reclaimed approximately 1.5 lakh bighas of land from what he described as "the clutches of infiltrators." He promised that this land reclamation drive would intensify under continued BJP leadership.
Alongside the strong immigration platform, Shah made substantial development commitments. He vowed to make Assam "flood-free" within five years through comprehensive water management initiatives. Additionally, he pledged to significantly increase the daily wages of tea workers in the Barak Valley from the current Rs 258 to Rs 500, addressing economic concerns in the crucial tea-growing region.
Personal Attacks on Congress Leadership
Shah sharpened his political rhetoric with direct criticism of Congress leaders. He condemned Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for his recent "snake" analogy targeting the BJP-RSS, calling such language contrary to democratic norms and political decency.
The Home Minister described Rahul Gandhi's leadership as "dangerous" for the country's future and made a striking prediction about Congress's electoral prospects. "After the election results are declared, you will need a telescope to find Congress in Assam," Shah declared, suggesting the party would be reduced to political insignificance in the state.
Transformation Narrative and Peace Accords
Projecting the BJP's decade in power as transformative for Assam, Shah contrasted what he called the previous era of insurgency and fear with current infrastructure growth and economic opportunity. He emphasized that peace accords with various groups and decisive action against infiltration have created conditions for what he predicted would be a "record-breaking mandate" in the upcoming elections.
"Assam is poised for complete development, and the foundation has been laid through peace initiatives and security measures," Shah told enthusiastic crowds, positioning the BJP as the party that has brought stability and progress to the northeastern state.
The Union Home Minister's final campaign day in Barak Valley combined security promises, development commitments, and political attacks, setting the stage for what he described as a crucial electoral battle that will determine Assam's future direction on security and prosperity.
