The Election Commission (EC) recently announced the second phase of its nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, encompassing 12 states and Union Territories. Notably, Assam has been excluded from this phase. The primary reason for this exclusion is the presence of a more rigorous National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, which has already been implemented and updated in the state. The EC has stated that Assam requires a distinct approach.
An extensive update exercise for the NRC in Assam was conducted between 2013 and 2019, under the watchful eye of the Supreme Court. This process aimed to identify legal citizens and identify undocumented immigrants. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar explained that Assam’s unique situation, including separate provisions in citizenship laws and the nearing conclusion of the Supreme Court-monitored citizenship identification process, makes the nationwide SIR order inapplicable to the state. Separate revision instructions for Assam will be issued later.
The issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh has been a recurring theme in the BJP’s political discourse and electoral campaigns. This article delves into the specifics of why Assam was omitted from the current SIR drive and the underlying reasons for this decision.
Why Has Assam Been Excluded from the SIR Drive?
The ruling BJP has consistently voiced concerns about decades-long infiltration of Bangladeshi Muslims into Assam, citing it as a threat to the indigenous population and a cause of demographic change. The party believes that identifying these infiltrators is crucial to addressing the situation.
Assam Government’s Stance
The Assam government had previously informed the EC that given Assam’s unique status as the only state to have undertaken an NRC exercise, the poll panel must consider this when formulating timelines and eligibility criteria for the SIR. Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, suggested that the NRC, once finalized, could be used as an admissible document for the SIR process.
Are the BJP Government’s Concerns Valid?
Differentiating between locals and outsiders can be challenging due to the high degree of intermingling. Statistical data from the 2011 Census indicates that Muslims form the second-largest and fastest-growing religious group in Assam, constituting over 34.22% of the state’s population. This demographic reality is often highlighted in discussions about the state’s future.
Key Themes in the NRC Debate in Assam
The Assam government has raised concerns about alleged errors in the NRC list, claiming that it incorrectly excludes indigenous individuals while including foreigners. Furthermore, they argue that the number of people who entered the state illegally after the cut-off date of March 24, 1971, is significantly higher than the estimated 19 lakh figures.
Link Between NRC and SIR Projects in Assam
Integrating the SIR process with the NRC in Assam could potentially lead to delays. The NRC process has been in limbo since the draft list was published in 2019, excluding over 19 lakh out of 3.3 crore applicants. The Registrar General of India (RGI) has yet to officially notify the final list.
External Factors Influencing the Decision
Recent events, such as a controversial gift by Bangladesh’s interim head Muhammad Yunus to a Pakistani general, which included a distorted map of Bangladesh encompassing parts of Assam and other northeastern states, have raised concerns in political and security circles.
Cultural Factors at Play
Cultural and political sensitivities also play a role. A recent incident where a Congress functionary allegedly sang the Bangladeshi national anthem at a meeting prompted demands for a probe, highlighting the charged atmosphere surrounding such issues in Assam.
Political Implications for the BJP in Assam
In Assam, the Congress party is often perceived as being closely aligned with the Muslim community. This dynamic, coupled with the state chief minister’s frequent anti-minority statements, has seemingly benefited the BJP, which positions itself as a predominantly Hindu party, thereby influencing electoral prospects.