Mumbai

Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, holding the saffron party-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra responsible for the issue of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.

She dared Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, a BJP corporator, to seek accountability from top leadership of her party over the issue.

Reacting to certain remarks made by Tawde on the emotive issue, Gaikwad said if illegal Bangladeshis are residing in Mumbai even after 12 years of the BJP rule at the Centre and in the state (between 2014-2019 and since late 2024), the responsibility lies with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The Lok Sabha MP from Mumbai North Central alleged both leaders had failed in their duties and challenged the Mayor to demand their resignation instead of blaming the Congress for illegal immigration from Bangladesh.

"The Mayor's responsibility is to ensure civic services such as electricity, roads and water, but she is repeatedly speaking about Bangladeshis. If the BJP claims that the country is in strong hands under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then how does the issue of illegal immigrants arise? How did Bangladeshis and Rohingyas enter India?" Gaikwad asked.

The Congress MP further alleged that the persistence of such issues indicates lapses in border security and questioned the Centre's handling of national security.

"Instead of holding the Union government accountable, the Mayor is blaming the Congress. The BJP should stop shifting the blame for its failures and take strict action (on issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh)," she said.

Gaikwad accused BJP leaders of attempting to divert people's attention from pressing issues.

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She claimed there was a shortage of LPG cylinders in the country, forcing people to stand in long queues for deliveries, while small businesses and hotels are being adversely affected due to lack of cooking gas supply, including in Mumbai.

"To divert attention from issues like LPG shortage and other matters, BJP leaders are making unwarranted personal attacks on Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. No matter how much they try to defame him, it will not affect the Congress. We will continue to raise issues concerning people," she asserted.