Modi's 'demographic mission' against illegal immigration rattles TMC: 'Infiltrators new target'

TMC deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Sagarika Ghose (Courtesy: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of a demographic mission to tackle the dangers of illegal immigration in border areas of the country has left West Bengal's ruling party, the Trinamool Congress, unimpressed.

The party has termed PM Modi's Independence Day announcement from the Red Fort as "another jumla" to target a "new enemy" in the form of "infiltrators.

Accusing the Prime Minister of "over-promising and under-achieving", Trinamool Congress' Rajya Sabha deputy leader Sagarika Ghose said in a post on X that Modi's announcement of the new mission was an admission that his promise of 2014 remains unfulfilled.

"In 2014 manifesto, BJP pledged to address the issue of infiltration and illegal immigrants in the Northeast region on a priority basis, with clear policy directions and effective control at the ground level. Now, after 11 long years in power, Narendra Modi has again announced a new demographic mission to protect the country from the dangers posed by illegal immigrants. Modi is thus admitting that his promise of 2014 remains unfulfilled," she said.

The Rajya Sabha MP also criticized the Prime Minister for targeting past governments in his speech. "As usual, Modi uses his Independence Day speech to target a new enemy. After Andolanjeevis etc., now infiltrators is the new target. Again new missions announced while targeting past governments. When will Modi give an August 15 address truthfully addressing his own record of 11 years marked by over-promising and under-achieving," she added.

In his 12th consecutive speech from the Red Fort to mark India's 79th Independence Day, PM Modi warned people of a premeditated conspiracy to change the country's demography through illegal infiltration and said no nation can tolerate intruders, as he announced a high-powered demographic mission to tackle the problem.

"I would like to alert the nation about a concern, a challenge. Under a well-thought-out conspiracy, the country's demography is being changed, and seeds of a new crisis are being sown. These infiltrators are snatching the livelihood of the youth of my country. They are targeting our sisters and daughters. They are misleading the adivasis and grabbing their lands. This will not be tolerated," said PM Modi.

India will not surrender to the infiltrators, the Prime Minister asserted in his speech, while flagging the challenges caused due to demographic changes, especially in the border areas.

"Demographic changes in border areas pose a threat to national security. It sows the seeds of conflict. No country can surrender before infiltrators. Then how can we? Not to allow such activities is our duty to our ancestors who gifted us an Independent India. So I announce from the ramparts of Red Fort that we have decided to start a high-powered demography mission. This mission will tackle the danger that is looming over India," said PM Modi.