An illegal Rohingya Settlement Scandal migrant issue in Delhi has flared another political row between the state’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). With both parties making allegations against each other, this scandal is becoming a talking point as Delhi prepares to hold its assembly elections next February 2025.
Rohingya Settlement Scandal: Allegations by AAP: A ‘Conscious Policy’ by BJP?
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has accused the BJP-led Union government of deliberately settling a significant number of illegal Rohingyas in the national capital. Citing Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s tweets from 2022, she claimed that the migrants were provided accommodation in flats meant for economically weaker sections (EWS) in Bakkarwala.
“This appears to be a blatant, conscious decision and policy of the BJP government taken without consulting the people and the Delhi government,” Atishi alleged in her letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. She expressed concerns about the impact of these settlements on the city’s limited resources, law and order, and employment opportunities.
BJP hits back: AAP’s ‘politics of diversion’
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri was quick to respond to the allegations. He made accusations against AAP of spreading false narratives through a post on social media platform X.
“No Rohingya migrant has been given a government house in Delhi. AAP’s claims are misleading. In reality, they are the ones hosting illegal Rohingyas, providing them with electricity, water, and even financial support,” Puri said.
He drew attention to a clarification made by the Union government on the same day as his 2022 tweets, which he said AAP selectively chose to ignore.
Rohingya Settlement Scandal The Border Issue: A Bigger Problem
She further stated that the number of Rohingya migrants reported to be crossing over to India from Bangladesh is quite alarming and said the BJP government has been doing nothing to secure the country’s borders. She raised the question of how they came all the way to Delhi from thousands of miles away.
“Is our country ready to absorb such a huge inflow of refugees? If it is not, then why is the BJP government not putting an end to this?”.
Rohingya Settlement Scandal Delhi LG’s Special Drive Against Illegal Migrants
Amid allegations, the Delhi Lt Governor’s office has issued directives to the police and administration to launch a two-month drive to identify illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and take strict action. The AAP government has described this move as “ironic,” claiming that it is the BJP government itself that has settled these migrants. Election Rhetoric or Genuine Concern?
With the assembly elections nearing, both AAP and BJP are leveraging the Rohingya issue as a political weapon. While AAP accuses the BJP of compromising Delhi’s interests, the BJP has countered by alleging AAP’s role in enabling illegal migrants to register as voters.
This issue has resonated with the electorate, raising questions about national security, governance, and political accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who are the Rohingyas, and why are they in India?
Rohingyas are a stateless Muslim minority from Myanmar who fled persecution and violence in their homeland. Many have sought refuge in neighboring countries, including India, to escape dire living conditions.
2. What is the current controversy about?
The controversy revolves around accusations by AAP that the BJP-led Union government has settled illegal Rohingyas in Delhi, while BJP denies the same and attributes to AAP for harboring and aiding the migrants.
3. Are Rohingyas provided with government housing in Delhi?
According to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, no migrant Rohingya has been allocated government housing in Delhi. AAP refers to previous statements and media reports for saying otherwise.
4. How is this issue connected to the upcoming elections?
Both AAP and BJP use the issue for the elections, with AAP questioning the governance of BJP and BJP accusing AAP of facilitating illegal voter registrations for electoral benefits.
5. What measures are in place to address the problem?
The Delhi LG has ordered a special drive to identify and take action against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. But the issue of Rohingyas remains a political blame game.
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