New Delhi: Stressing that “infiltration” of foreigners from neighbouring countries is influencing India’s democratic process, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) national publicity in-charge Sunil Ambekar said Friday that the issue should not be viewed as communal.
Expressing concerns over “infiltration from Bangladesh”, in particular, Ambekar, in an exclusive interview with ThePrint, said such infiltration was a threat to India’s national unity, integrity, and security, and strained its resources.
Ahead of the West Bengal Assembly election, the BJP has been raising the issue of “infiltration”.
“Of course, there is a concern that there are illegal infiltrators, especially from Bangladesh. They are in lakhs… So it’s a very serious threat to our national unity, integrity, security, and even to our resources and economic facilities,” said the RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh.
“It’s creating a burden on us. Also, they are illegally becoming voters and influencing our democratic and election processes. So, in a way, it’s a very serious issue for any country. I think we should not look at it in a communal way,” Ambekar said when asked about the “demographic imbalance” and “infiltration” issues being raised by the BJP.
Ambekar said the issue should be addressed immediately in the national interest. “It is a nationwide phenomenon because infiltrators may be in large numbers in states like Assam and other northeastern states and even Bengal, but it is not restricted to those areas,” he added.
In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier mentioned the government’s plan to create a high-powered mission to address the challenge of what he called a “well-planned conspiracy” to change the country’s demography.
“I want to warn the nation of a concern & challenge today. Under a well-hatched conspiracy, the demography of the country is being changed. The seeds of a new problem are being sown,” Modi said. “These infiltrators are snatching away the rozi-roti of the youth of this country and targeting the sisters and daughters of my country. This will not be tolerated.”
Ambekar also defended the Special Intensive Revision being carried out by the Election Commission of India (ECI), saying those whose names are missing but are genuine should have them added to the voters’ list.
“SIR is a normal process. In any election, the voting list is reviewed, & it’s not happening for the first time. I think the election commission has explained everything, and the common public does not have any complaints,” he added.
Defending the use of terms like “love jihad” and “land jihad”, Ambekar stressed that the words were not directed against the Muslim community, but individuals.
“There are terms like ‘love jihad’ that reflect a reality; there is a crime taking place. Is terrorism not a reality? Is Islamic fundamentalist terrorism not a reality? It is a worldwide phenomenon. Such elements are not limited to gun-based terrorism but also include using money, muscle and other malpractices. So it is not against the Muslim community or anybody,” he said.
Defending the Modi government’s response to the conflicts in West Asia, Ambekar said it was no longer restricted to the region but concerned the entire world.
“I think our government is well capable of handling the situation in the national interest. At times when such international issues arise, which we have to deal with as a country, every citizen, every political party, and every organisation should stand with the government,” he added.
Responding to criticism from opposition parties, Ambekar reiterated that everyone should support the government.
“Because it’s a very critical time, and we have to take care of our national interest, our people and our requirements. I think the government is handling it very well, and we should stand with them.”
(Edited by Madhurita Goswami)
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