Daijiworld Media Network- Bihar
Bihar, Sep 26: Bihar’s political discourse has intensified ahead of the elections, with illegal immigration emerging as a key point of contention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently accused the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal of patronising illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in the state, particularly in the Seemanchal region, during an election rally in Purnea.
Responding sharply, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi dismissed the allegations, asserting that there are no Bangladeshis in Bihar. Taking a veiled dig at Sheikh Hasina, Owaisi said, “Modi ji says that there are Bangladeshis in Bihar. Modi ji, there are no Bangladeshis in Bihar and Seemanchal region. But you have a sister from Bangladesh sitting in Delhi. Send her to Bangladesh. Bring her to Seemanchal, and we will drop her in Bangladesh.”
The remark references Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in Delhi since stepping down as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister in August 2019 amid political unrest.
The issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh has long been a sensitive topic in India, tied to national security and voter roll revisions. Bihar recently witnessed a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, which the Election Commission says is aimed at ensuring electoral transparency. During the exercise, instances of Nepali, Bangladeshi, and Myanmarese nationals being registered as voters were reportedly identified.
Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly raised the issue, linking infiltration to a "demographic crisis" and vowing to remove all illegal immigrants. He has accused the Congress and RJD of prioritising vote bank politics over national security, highlighting rallies such as the Congress’ 'Voter Adhikar' event in support of alleged infiltrators.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav dismissed Modi’s remarks as “diversionary tactics,” questioning the ruling parties’ track record over the past decades in Bihar and at the Centre. The controversy underscores how illegal immigration continues to dominate Bihar’s pre-election political narrative.