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Gadkari Slams Opposition Over Vote Bank Politics on Assam Infiltration

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stated it is not right to grant voting rights to Bangladeshi citizens who have entered Assam illegally. He accused opposition parties of communalizing the issue for vote bank politics, prioritizing political interest over national interest. Gadkari expressed confidence in BJP's victory in the Assam Assembly elections, citing infrastructure development in the Northeast since 2014 under PM Modi. Polling for the 126 constituencies is scheduled for April 9.

Key Points: Gadkari: No Voting Rights for Bangladeshi Citizens in Assam

  • Opposes voting rights for illegal immigrants
  • Accuses opposition of vote bank politics
  • Links Assam confidence to Modi-era development
  • Highlights infrastructure progress in Northeast
2 min read

"Cannot be right to give voting rights to Bangladeshi citizens who entered Assam", says Nitin Gadkari; hits out at Opposition over 'vote bank politics'

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari criticizes opposition for communalizing illegal immigration issue in Assam, defends BJP's stance on voting rights.

"It cannot be right to give voting rights to Bangladeshi citizens who have entered Assam. - Nitin Gadkari"

Guwahati, April 2

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said that the Assam Government's action against the "illegal immigrants" should not be linked to the Muslim community, reiterating the party's stance to disallow voting rights to Bangladeshi citizens in the interest of the nation.

Speaking to ANI, Nitin Gadkari accused the Opposition of "communalising" the issue for "vote bank politics", giving precedence to their "political interest" over national interest.

"In the whole world, action is taken against people who enter a country illegally. This should not be linked to any religion. I am not against the Muslims living in Assam. It cannot be right to give voting rights to Bangladeshi citizens who have entered Assam. We have only said this in our national interest," he said.

"While some parties are communalising this issue for vote bank politics. It is not right to use issues of national interest for one's political interest," he added.

Ahead of the Assembly election, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP have constantly raised the issue of illegal infiltration, impacting the demographics of the state.

Additionally, Nitin Gadkari exuded confidence in the BJP's victory in the Assam Assembly elections, citing the development work that has taken place under PM Modi's government in the northeast since 2014.

"I have full confidence that people of Assam will once again give a big mandate to the BJP. The reason behind this - how the situation has changed today since 2014. After Modi ji took oath as the PM, it was decided to give special focus to the development of infrastructure in the North East region. Today, we can see good roads, 11-12 bridges on the Brahmaputra, airports, waterways and railways. Because people can see their aspirations being fulfilled, there is positivity and support for development. Hence, the people of Assam will vote positively to elect us," he told ANI.

The polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

The NDA will look to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to defeat the ruling party to return to power.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I agree that illegal immigrants shouldn't get voting rights, but the way this issue is raised only before elections makes it feel political. What about a permanent, humane solution for those who have been here for years?
R
Rohit P
The development work in the Northeast is visible for all to see. Good roads and bridges matter more than hollow promises. If the opposition has a better plan for Assam's future, let them present it.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited Assam, the infrastructure improvement is remarkable. However, the language around "illegal immigrants" often gets blurred with ethnicity. The focus should remain strictly on legal status, not community.
V
Vikram M
This is the core issue for Assam. Our land, language, and culture must be protected. Giving voting rights to foreigners who entered illegally is an insult to every Indian citizen who follows the law. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
While the principle is correct, the implementation is key. We need a transparent and fair process to identify who is an illegal immigrant, which has been lacking. Hope this election brings a clear policy, not just rhetoric.

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