'BJP Against Infiltrators, Not Indigenous Muslims': Amit Shah In Assam

Ahead of the single-phased Assam polls on April 9, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the BJP is against illegal infiltration from Bangladesh but not against the indigenous Muslims of Assam, known as Khilongiya muslims.

While addressing a poll rally in Assam's Kaliabor in Nagaon district, Shah said, "BJP is against the 'ghuspethiyes' (illegal immigrants), not against the indigenous muslim community of Assam. Congress politicised the issue and gave it a communal spin ahead of polls."

"Congress encouraged illegal infiltrators to the state, and now the party is giving a Hindu versus Muslim angle ahead of elections to get benefit," he added.

The Home Minister further said, "What did Congress give to Assam during its rule? Between 2004 and 2014, when there were Congress governments both at the Centre and in the state, Assam got Rs 1.28 lakh crore. In comparison, between 2014 and 2024, under BJP rule at the Centre, the state got Rs 9.78 lakh crore."

"The Congress should stop dreaming about forming a government in Assam. The BJP-AGP combination has ruled for 10 years now and will continue to do so for at least another 15 years," he added.

He highlighted major development projects undertaken in the state in the past 10-12 years and initiatives such as the Bharat Ratna for Gopinath Bordoloi and Bhupen Hazarika, honour for Ahom general Lachit Barphukan, and classical language status for Assamese.

"Assam was earlier known for bomb blasts and protests, but the BJP government at the Centre signed over 20 peace deals (with rebel groups) that led to over 10,000 youths laying down arms, and now the state is witnessing peace and development," Shah said.

The Home Minister was seeking support for ruling ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP)'s Keshab Mahanta, who is also a senior minister in the state government.

"Congress ruled for 15 years before BJP came into power in Assam under Tarun Gogoi, but what they have done for the people of the state. From 2004-2014, Congress was in power in the state, but what did they do? In the last 10 years, we have done many developmental works in Assam," Shah asserted.