At a press conference, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra cited a study conducted by researchers from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), claiming that migrant workers from Purvanchal and other Indian states are being pushed out of low-paying jobs by Rohingya and Bangladeshi "infiltrators."
"The earnings that should have gone to our brothers and sisters from Purvanchal and other states are now being redirected to Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants. There is no documentation of this. Behind all this is political protection, particularly from the AAP and Congress. By creating fake voter identities, they are manipulating our electoral system," alleged Patra.
AAP Responds, Blames Amit Shah
Reacting sharply to the BJP's claims, AAP released a statement asserting that Patra's remarks prove Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been "disastrous" in handling internal security and has "failed" to prevent illegal infiltration.AAP pointed to an August 17, 2022, post by Union Minister Hardeep Puri on X (formerly Twitter), where he mentioned that Rohingya Muslims were residing in Delhi’s Bakkarwala area. The party argued that the BJP-led central government is responsible for controlling illegal migration, questioning whether Shah is "deliberately settling them here or incapable of stopping them."
JNU Study Cited by BJP
Patra referred to a 114-page study, authored by Professor Manuradha Chaudhary and others, which allegedly highlights a "demographic shift" in Delhi due to the influx of Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants. The report claims that an informal network of brokers and religious preachers assists in the illegal entry and settlement of these groups, facilitating fake documentation.According to the BJP, the report identifies specific areas in Delhi—such as Seelampur, Jamia Nagar, Zakir Nagar, Sultanpuri, Mustafabad, Jafrabad, Dwarka, and Gokulpuri—as being most affected by the presence of these migrants. Patra further alleged that crime rates are increasing due to their presence, and the integrity of the electoral process is being compromised.
High-Stakes Delhi Polls on February 5
The accusations and counterclaims come as the 70-member Delhi Assembly prepares for elections on Wednesday, with results to be declared on February 8. The AAP, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, is eyeing a third consecutive term, while the BJP is striving to reclaim power in the capital after more than 25 years.With both parties locked in a fierce battle, the controversy over illegal migrants is expected to be a major flashpoint in the final hours of the campaign.
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