Guwahati, April 7: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on April 7 launched a sharp attack on the Indian National Congress during a rally in Patharkandi, asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party would not allow Assam to become an “infiltrator-dominated region.”
Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shah said the BJP is committed to safeguarding the state’s demographic and cultural identity. He accused the opposition of pursuing vote bank politics and warned of strict action against illegal infiltrators.
Shah said authorities have already identified infiltrators and emphasised that a BJP government would act decisively. He added that coordinated governance across Assam, West Bengal, and Tripura would help effectively curb infiltration.
Highlighting the party’s cultural agenda, he said the BJP has the resolve to rename Karimganj as “Sribhumi,” while questioning Rahul Gandhi’s understanding of regional sentiments.
Praising the Centre’s initiatives, Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for granting classical language status to Assamese and Bengali. He also defended the Citizenship Amendment Act, accusing the Congress of opposing it for political considerations.
Referring to earlier legislative measures, Shah alleged that the Congress weakened efforts to tackle illegal immigration by repealing previous laws and introducing policies that, according to him, benefited infiltrators.
He also criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over recent remarks, describing them as undemocratic.
Polling for Assam’s 126-member Assembly is scheduled for April 9, with counting of votes set for May 4.
