Assam CM Urges Illegal Immigrants to Avoid Voting for BJP in West Bengal
Sarma's Controversial Appeal in West Bengal
Assam CM Sarma during a campaign rally in Baishnabnagar. (Photo:@himantabiswa/X)
Guwahati, April 19: Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is actively campaigning in West Bengal for the upcoming Assembly elections, made a notable statement on Sunday, urging individuals he claims are illegal immigrants not to support the BJP.
During a press interaction at a rally in Alipurduar, Sarma specifically addressed 'illegal immigrants' from Bangladesh, advising them against backing the saffron party.
He stated, “Those who have entered India illegally from Bangladesh, please do not cast your votes for us. Indian Muslims have been supporting us significantly, and I request the infiltrators to refrain from voting for us.”
Sarma, who has spent the last three days campaigning for the BJP in West Bengal, expressed that if the party gains power, it intends to implement the 'Assam model' in the state.
“The initiatives I am undertaking in Assam are at the behest of the Prime Minister. Once the BJP secures victory in West Bengal, we will adopt the same strategy,” he remarked.
He also outlined a development agenda for North Bengal, emphasizing the importance of industrial growth, agricultural diversification, and tourism expansion as primary goals.
“As the economy flourishes, we will overcome these challenges,” he asserted, expressing optimism that the BJP would win over 200 seats in West Bengal and 100 in Assam.
Illegal immigration has become a pivotal issue for the BJP in West Bengal, with Sarma consistently criticizing the government led by Mamata Banerjee during his campaign.
At a rally in Kalimpong on Saturday, he accused the state administration of misallocating resources to support 'Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators' and insisted that the chief minister must be ousted to prevent losing Bengal.
His comments prompted a strong reaction from the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), which filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India, alleging that Sarma made 'divisive and inciteful statements along with defamatory and unverified claims' against the West Bengal Chief Minister.
The political rivalry between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress is escalating as the Assembly elections approach.