Himanta Biswa Sarma warns of mini-Bangladesh in Jharkhand

Assam Chief Minister and BJP co-in-charge for the Jharkhand Assembly elections, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has raised concerns over what he describes as the infiltration affecting Jharkhand's culture and 'Adivasi asmita'. 

Addressing a gathering, he warned of a potential demographic shift, likening the situation to the creation of a 'mini-Bangladesh' in the state. Specifically, he pointed to the Santhal Pargana region as being at risk.

Sarma made three key announcements regarding the party's plans if they come to power. 

Firstly, he promised the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to address the issue of infiltrators. 

Secondly, he stated that if immigrants marry tribal women, their children would not be eligible for Scheduled Tribe (ST) benefits. 

Lastly, he mentioned that measures would be taken to prevent tribal women who marry immigrants from contesting in tribal leadership elections, citing concerns over undue influence.

Also Read: Children of infiltrators won't be given Adivasi status: Himanta Biswa Sarma

The Chief Minister also criticized individuals such as Irfan Ansari and Alamgir Alam, accusing them of wielding significant influence in the Santhal Pargana region. 

He alleged that the current government is protecting figures like Irfan Ansari and asserted that Ansari should face legal consequences for his alleged offensive remarks against Sita Soren.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken a firm stance on the issue of illegal immigration, warning of its impact on Jharkhand's cultural fabric. 

Speaking to the media on October 28 during the Jharkhand Assembly election campaign, he reiterated concerns about the growing presence of infiltrators, especially in the Santhal Parganas, a region known for its rich tribal heritage.

Referring to his earlier remarks at a public rally in Dumka, CM Sarma cautioned that the influx of illegal immigrants is threatening to transform Jharkhand’s demographic composition, with the Santhal Parganas at risk of becoming a “mini Bangladesh.” He claimed that the continued entry of infiltrators is eroding the cultural and traditional structures of the indigenous communities in the state.