Amit Shah warns of demographic shifts due to 64 lakh infiltrators in seven districts of Assam.

Home Minister Amit Shah claimed on Friday that seven districts in Assam were “dominated by 64 lakh infiltrators,” claiming that the state’s demographics had changed during the 20-year Congress administration. He emphasized that only the BJP can prevent infiltration and called on voters to support the party once more in the next Assembly elections.  Speaking at a rally in Dhemaji, close to the Arunachal Pradesh border, Shah claimed that only the BJP could stop Assam’s infiltration tendency.

“Our seven districts – Dhubri , Barpeta, Darrang, Morigaon, Bongaigaon, Nagaon and Goalpara – have become dominated by infiltrators. Within twenty years of Congress rule, these seven districts, which previously had no infiltrator population, now have a population of 64 lakh. If we want to stop the infiltrators, what do we have to do?” he said.

“I am not saying that the people should take up arms and go to the border to stop the infiltrators. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s government will do this work. Don’t worry. But if you want to stop the infiltrators, then in the upcoming elections, once again, give your support to the BJP. Elect a BJP government here,” he said.

Shah also emphasized how the Mising community, one of the main tribal groups in Assam, works to keep illegal settlers out of Upper Assam. He praised their “culture of hard work” and claimed that it had served as an organic defense against invasion.

“It is the responsibility of the Mising community to stop infiltration. You don’t need to pick up guns. Because of your hardworking culture, infiltrators have not been able to come to this side,” Shah said.

He further said that during the Congress era, a number of indigenous communities struggled to maintain their identity. On the other hand, he stated that the BJP-led government is dedicated to resolving the Mising community’s concerns and that the Center has designated an interlocutor to interact with the community and address their problems.

Elections are scheduled for March and April of this year in Assam, which has 126 Assembly seats. The Congress will try to retake the state from the BJP, which has held power for two terms since 2016. The BJP is aiming for a third straight victory.