PM Modi Warns of Infiltrators Threatening India's Unity and Security at RSS Centenary Event

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concerns on Wednesday that India's unity in diversity faces threats from "infiltrators causing a demographic shift," which he believes endangers social harmony and internal security. "If this strength is broken, India will weaken..." the Prime Minister stated during his afternoon address.

Speaking at the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent organization of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Modi referenced his previous Independence Day speech. He recalled announcing his "Demographic Mission" designed to "protect Indian citizens against infiltrators snatching livelihood of youth and targeting our sisters and daughters."

"This is why I announced the Demographic Mission..." Prime Minister Modi explained.

The Independence Day comments, interpreted by many as alluding to the Muslim community, echoed criticisms directed at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress ahead of the state's upcoming Assembly election next year.

The Prime Minister had previously accused Banerjee's administration of supporting "infiltration" from predominantly Muslim Bangladesh in exchange for electoral support.

In response, the Trinamool Congress rejected allegations of protecting infiltrators for political advantage and condemned such statements as offensive to Bengali people. The party counter-alleged that the BJP was "systematically promoting xenophobia." Banerjee also highlighted that border security falls under federal jurisdiction, suggesting that addressing any infiltration issues is ultimately the central government's responsibility.

West Bengal's forthcoming Assembly election has already positioned illegal infiltration as a significant political issue, which will likely become more controversial when the Election Commission conducts its mandatory "special intensive revision" of voter rolls.

A comparable process in Bihar, implemented shortly before elections there, faced challenges in the Supreme Court. The court permitted the process to continue, merely adding Aadhaar to the acceptable identification documents list.

According to the Election Commission, the Bihar exercise uncovered multiple cases of Nepali, Myanmarese, and Bangladeshi nationals residing in the state and illegally registered as voters.

Banerjee seeks a fourth consecutive term after previously displacing the formerly dominant Communist Party of India (Marxist) from power. The Congress party's challenge is widely anticipated to be minimal, particularly given its struggles in recent elections. However, the BJP's opposition will be vocal, as evidenced by the Prime Minister's remarks.

In other portions of today's address, the Prime Minister noted that the RSS was established 100 years ago on Vijayadashami (observed this year on Thursday), emphasizing the festival's symbolism representing victory of good over evil, truth over falsehood, and light over darkness.

Modi also honored RSS founder KB Hedgewar, commending his dedication to national service.