Political parties clash over illegal migrants and voter manipulation allegations ahead of Delhi Assembly polls.
New Delhi: A war of words has erupted in the national capital over the issue of illegal migrants residing in Delhi. Political parties are accusing each other of using these migrants as a potential voter base and providing them shelter for electoral gains. As a result, the issue of illegal migrants has become a key topic in the run-up to the Delhi Assembly elections, which are expected to take place in mid-February to March 2025, though the Election Commission of India has yet to announce the official dates. Despite this, all political parties are actively trying to woo voters in preparation for the elections.
Political parties have raised concerns about this issue with the Election Commission of India (ECI). In response, the ECI is taking action to prevent instances of fake voting in Delhi by identifying illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya residents and removing their names from the voter list.
A BJP delegation recently met with Election Commission officials, accusing the AAP of facilitating the registration of illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants as voters in Delhi. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva claimed that ever since the BJP called for an investigation into illegal voters, Arvind Kejriwal appeared unsettled, alleging that these “illegal infiltrators may have been the foundation of AAP’s electoral victories in Delhi.”
Earlier this week, Delhi Police arrested 11 individuals, uncovering a gang involved in the illegal immigration of Bangladeshi nationals. Among those arrested, four were Bangladeshi citizens, while the others were allegedly engaged in forging documents, according to officials.
In contrast, Chief Minister Atishi, in a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accused the Centre of allowing numerous Rohingya migrants to settle in Delhi without informing the state government.
“The BJP-led central government has settled a significant number of illegal Rohingya refugees across Delhi while keeping the people and the Delhi government in the dark,” she wrote.
Atishi also shared a copy of the letter on X (formerly Twitter).
At the same time, Hindu refugees from Pakistan who have resided in Delhi for over 10 years have been granted voting rights. According to sources, these refugees have been granted Indian citizenship. This has sparked enthusiasm among them, as they will now be able to vote in the Delhi Assembly elections for the first time.
Notably, around 200 Hindu refugees from Pakistan have been granted Indian citizenship and the right to vote. Additionally, another 100 individuals have obtained Indian citizenship and have applied for voter ID cards. Reports suggest that there are over 2,000 Hindu refugees across Delhi. In Adarsh Nagar Colony, established in 2013, 100 residents have applied for voting rights. However, errors in their Aadhaar card addresses have prompted requests for a dedicated correction camp. They will be able to vote once their Aadhaar card details are updated.
Hindu refugees have stated that their votes in the Delhi Assembly elections will not be driven by personal benefits, but as an expression of gratitude for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). They expressed their happiness, emphasising that their votes are a way to thank the government for granting them Indian citizenship and ensuring a better future for the country.