Bangladeshi migrant issue fuels political controversy in India
News Desk :
Police in several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states have reportedly used language – specifically Bengali – as a marker to identify undocumented Bangladeshi migrants.
The approach has led to some notable errors, including Delhi police listing “Bangladeshi” as a language, highlighting the confusion inherent in the process. In many cases, however, the exercise has resulted in serious consequences, with some Indian citizens being forcibly pushed across the border into Bangladesh.
Interventions by state governments or courts have enabled some individuals to return to their families in West Bengal. Nevertheless, the “pushback” of suspected migrants reflects an effort to bypass the often lengthy legal procedures involved in determining citizenship.
According to a report published in the Hindu, the targeting of Bengali speakers has disrupted livelihoods, as many migrant workers from West Bengal have left their jobs out of fear of detention or forced relocation, even in cases where individuals hold legitimate Indian citizenship under bilateral agreements with Bangladesh. Bengali is India’s second-largest language, and West Bengal serves as both a source and destination for migrant labour.
The policy has provoked widespread debate in West Bengal, where the ruling Trinamool Congress has called it “an attack on Bengali identity” and initiated a language movement. Observers warn that the divisions being created over language and identity could escalate into wider social tensions.
Critics note that, while protecting national borders is a legitimate concern, law enforcement measures must not inadvertently target citizens or create unnecessary hardship. The BJP faces criticism in West Bengal, and has begun setting up camps to assist citizens with the Citizenship (Amendment) Act across the state. Analysts emphasise that ensuring border security must be balanced with adherence to due process, avoiding counterproductive actions that could harm communities and disrupt social cohesion.