Kamrup

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday accused the Indian National Congress of allowing what he described as “illegal infiltration” during its rule, alleging that it led to a demographic imbalance in Assam. He asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party would “free Assam from the sin” committed by previous governments.

Addressing a public gathering in Kamrup district, Shah questioned the Congress’ role in districts such as Dhubri, Barpeta, Morigaon, Nagaon and Goalpara, claiming these areas had become dominated by infiltrators.

“During the Congress era, infiltrators entered Assam, pushing the state’s demography into crisis. We opposed infiltration even then and stood with the Assam Movement, but Congress leaders failed to act,” he said.

Shah further asked the Congress to explain how several districts became Muslim-majority, alleging that the situation was a direct consequence of the party’s inaction. “The BJP will free Assam from this wrongdoing,” he added.

Drawing a comparison with the government’s actions against Left-wing extremism, Shah said Assam could be freed from intruders with determination and political will. “Just as large parts of the country were freed from Naxalism, Assam can also be freed from intruders. This requires courage, resolve and leadership, qualities Prime Minister Narendra Modi possesses,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Shah attended the 87th Raising Day parade of the Central Reserve Police Force in Guwahati, marking the first time the event was held in Assam.

Calling it a moment of pride for the Northeast, he said the decision taken in 2019 to rotate the parade across different regions of the country had brought the CRPF celebrations to Assam for the first time in the force’s history.

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Meanwhile, earlier this week, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar reviewed poll preparedness in Assam ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections and announced several voter-centric measures to streamline the electoral process. The state has 126 Assembly constituencies, including 98 General seats, 19 reserved for Scheduled Tribes and nine for Scheduled Castes.