Gadkari Reiterates Assam's Stance on Illegal Immigrants Amid Election Season

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari reiterated on Thursday that Assam's crackdown on illegal immigrants should not be associated with the Muslim community. He stressed the government's policy of denying voting rights to Bangladeshi citizens as a matter of national interest, while accusing the opposition of using the issue for electoral gains. Gadkari, speaking to ANI, accused opponents of stirring communal sentiments for what he described as 'vote bank politics,' placing political agendas above national priorities.

Gadkari underscored that actions against illegal entrants are a global norm, detached from religious connotations. He clarified, 'I oppose granting voting privileges to Bangladeshi nationals who have entered Assam illegally. Our stance is solely focused on national benefit.' He criticized unnamed political parties for allegedly communalizing the issue for short-term political advantage.

As the Assembly elections approach, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP have increasingly highlighted the impact of unlawful infiltration on Assam's demographics. Nitin Gadkari expressed optimism about the BJP's prospects, citing significant infrastructural advancements in the northeast since 2014 under PM Modi. He expects that visible improvements in roads, bridges, and other projects will translate into electoral support for the BJP in the upcoming elections on April 9, with results announced on May 4.