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Amit Shah Reignites Citizenship Debate in Assam Rally

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 12:31 GMT by ThePrint

Amit Shah's Assam Rally: A Renewed Focus on Citizenship, "Infiltrators," and Electoral Strategy

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently ignited a fresh wave of debate surrounding citizenship and illegal immigration during a rally in Diphu, Assam. His stark message – “elect a government that will drive out all infiltrators” – underscores the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s continued prioritization of this issue in the state ahead of upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The statement, delivered on March 7th, isn't merely political rhetoric; it represents a re-emphasis of promises made during the BJP’s ascent to power in Assam and reflects a broader strategy aimed at consolidating support within the region while simultaneously appealing to nationalist sentiments nationwide.

The Context: A History of Migration & Citizenship Concerns

Assam has long been grappling with complex demographic challenges stemming from migration, primarily from Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan). Historically, waves of migration occurred due to various factors including economic hardship, political instability, and natural disasters. While some migrants were absorbed into the region's social fabric, concerns arose regarding their impact on indigenous communities, resource availability, and electoral demographics. These anxieties have been exploited politically for decades, fueling anti-immigrant sentiment and contributing to a volatile socio-political landscape.

The BJP’s rise in Assam was significantly aided by capitalizing on these pre-existing fears. The party promised stringent measures to identify and deport “illegal immigrants,” framing them as threats to the state's identity and security. This narrative resonated strongly with many Assamese, particularly those feeling marginalized or economically disadvantaged due to perceived competition for jobs and resources.

The NRC & Its Discontents: A Failed Promise?

A cornerstone of this promise was the National Register of Citizens (NRC), a process intended to identify legal residents of Assam. The final NRC list, published in 2019, aimed to weed out "illegal immigrants." However, the exercise proved deeply controversial and ultimately fell short of expectations for many BJP supporters. While over 19 lakh individuals were excluded from the list, the process was riddled with errors, accusations of bias, and left a significant number of genuine Indian citizens in limbo due to documentation issues. The promised deportation drive following the NRC publication never materialized on the scale initially anticipated, leading to disillusionment among some BJP voters.

Shah’s recent statement can be interpreted as an attempt to reignite that initial promise and address the anxieties surrounding illegal immigration that haven't been fully resolved by the existing NRC process. While he didn’t explicitly mention the NRC in his Diphu speech, the underlying message remains clear: the BJP is committed to tackling the "infiltrator" issue.

What Does “Infiltrator” Mean? A Murky Definition

The term "infiltrator," frequently used by Shah and other BJP leaders, lacks a precise legal definition. It often encompasses individuals who entered Assam illegally after March 24, 1971 – the date of the Bangladesh Liberation War. However, the ambiguity allows for broader interpretations and can be perceived as targeting Muslim communities, particularly those residing in border districts. This has led to accusations of deliberate polarization and discrimination. Critics argue that the term is used to stoke fear and division among different religious groups within Assam.

The Political Strategy: Rallying a Base & National Implications

Shah's rally and his pronouncements serve multiple political purposes. Firstly, it aims to energize BJP’s core voter base in Assam – those who feel strongly about protecting the state's identity and resources. Secondly, it serves as a reminder of the party's commitment to its election promises, even if those promises haven't been fully realized. Finally, the message resonates beyond Assam, tapping into broader nationalist sentiments across India and reinforcing the BJP’s image as a strong defender of national borders.

The timing of this renewed focus is significant – with Lok Sabha elections looming, the BJP is keen to mobilize its support base and deflect attention from other challenges facing the country. By highlighting the "infiltrator" issue, the party hopes to galvanize voters who prioritize border security and cultural preservation.

Concerns & Criticisms

Shah’s statement has drawn criticism from various quarters. Opposition parties accuse him of using divisive language and inciting hatred against minority communities. Human rights organizations express concerns about potential human rights violations during any future deportation drives, particularly given the errors and inconsistencies within the NRC process. The lack of clarity surrounding who constitutes an "infiltrator" also raises questions about due process and fairness.

Furthermore, experts point out that a simplistic focus on deportation ignores the complex socio-economic factors driving migration from Bangladesh. Addressing these root causes – poverty, climate change, political instability – would be more effective in managing cross-border movement than solely relying on punitive measures.

Looking Ahead:

Amit Shah’s message signals a continued emphasis on citizenship and border security as key components of the BJP's electoral strategy in Assam. While the specifics of how the party intends to "drive out" infiltrators remain unclear, his words underscore the enduring political significance of this issue in the state and its potential impact on the upcoming elections. Whether this renewed focus will translate into increased support for the BJP remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly signifies a commitment to pursuing a hardline stance on illegal immigration – a strategy that carries both electoral promise and considerable social risk.