Asaduddin Owaisi Challenges PM Modi's Claims of Bangladeshi Infiltrators in Bihar

Political tensions in Bihar have escalated significantly as elections draw near, with accusations regarding illegal Bangladeshi immigrants becoming a central point of contention. This controversy, sparked by recent voter roll revisions, has now elicited a sharp response from AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi.

At a recent rally in Purnea, Prime Minister Narendra Modi leveled accusations against the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal, claiming they were supporting 'infiltrators' in Bihar. In response, Mr. Owaisi firmly stated yesterday that there are no Bangladeshis residing in Bihar, particularly in the Seemanchal region where his party secured significant victories in previous elections.

"Modi ji claims there are Bangladeshis in Bihar. Modi ji, I assure you there are no Bangladeshis in Bihar or the Seemanchal region. However, you have a sister from Bangladesh currently residing in Delhi. Send her to Bangladesh. Bring her to Seemanchal, and we will ensure she reaches Bangladesh," the AIMIM chief declared.

This comment appears to reference Sheikh Hasina, the former Bangladesh Prime Minister who sought refuge in Delhi after being ousted from power. She fled Dhaka on August 5, 2019, resigning moments before protesters stormed her residence.

The issue of illegal immigration, particularly from Bangladesh, remains one of India's most contentious political and national security concerns. Recent months have witnessed regional efforts to identify Bangladeshis residing illegally in the country.

In Bihar, the controversy has intensified following the Election Commission's special intensive revision (SIR) of voter rolls. Opposition parties have criticized this exercise, claiming it serves as a pretext to disenfranchise voters, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and religious minority communities.

The Election Commission defends the revision as essential for electoral transparency, stating they have identified Nepali, Bangladeshi, and Myanmarese individuals illegally registered as voters in Bihar.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized the 'infiltrator' issue both during his Independence Day address and at campaign events in Bihar. At his Purnea rally on September 15, he asserted that 'infiltration' has created a "demographic crisis" in the country.

The Prime Minister expressed concern that this situation has left citizens worried about the safety of their female family members, and he pledged that the BJP-led alliance would expel illegal immigrants. Modi also accused the Congress and RJD of prioritizing 'vote bank politics' over national security concerns.

"They have become so brazen they are organizing rallies and marches supporting foreign infiltrators," the PM stated, apparently referencing the Congress' 'Voter Adhikar' rally. "The NDA is determined to remove every single infiltrator. I challenge those leaders attempting to shield infiltrators. We will persistently work to expel them," he added.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav dismissed the PM's comments as pre-election 'diversionary tactics', questioning, "Let's momentarily accept there are 'infiltrators' in Bihar. But then we must ask - what has your government been doing? You've held power at the center for 11 years, and your alliance has governed Bihar for 20 years."

The Bihar election represents this year's final major electoral contest, with dates expected to be announced sometime next month.