Spiritual leader Sadhguru has made a significant intervention in a simmering geopolitical debate, labelling the strategic Siliguri Corridor as a historical anomaly that should have been rectified decades ago. His comments come against a backdrop of heightened rhetoric from some Bangladeshi leaders regarding the sensitive strip of Indian territory.
Sadhguru's Stark Warning on Sovereignty
On Monday, Sadhguru stated that the Siliguri Corridor is a 78-year-old anomaly created by India's partition. He asserted that this geographical vulnerability should have been corrected in 1971. The spiritual leader framed his argument in vivid terms, saying that with an open threat to the nation's sovereignty now apparent, India must "nourish the chicken and allow it to evolve into an elephant."
This metaphorical call to action is a direct response to recent statements from certain Bangladeshi political figures who have invoked the "Chicken's Neck" – another name for the narrow corridor connecting India's northeastern states to the mainland – and hinted at the possibility of cutting it off.
Hasina's Rebuttal and Regional Diplomacy
In a notable counterpoint, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has described such threatening rhetoric as "dangerous and irresponsible." She emphasised that no serious leader would threaten a neighbour upon whom Bangladesh depends heavily for trade, transit, and regional stability.
Hasina clarified that these provocative voices "do not represent the Bangladeshi people." She expressed confidence that once democracy is restored and responsible governance returns to Bangladesh, such reckless talk would cease. Commenting on perceived growing ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan, she reiterated Bangladesh's policy of "friendship to all, malice toward none," but criticised what she called a "headlong embrace" of Islamabad by some.
Citizenship Context and Local Protests
The debate occurs alongside ongoing discussions about migration and citizenship. As per the Assam Accord and provisions under the Citizenship Act, individuals who entered Assam from Bangladesh before March 24, 1971, and have resided there, are recognised as Indian citizens. Those who migrated after this cut-off date are considered illegal immigrants under Indian law.
Meanwhile, on December 27, BJP workers held a torchlight rally in Siliguri to protest against reported atrocities faced by minorities in Bangladesh. BJP leader Anita Mahato, who participated, stated, "We held a torchlight rally against the way sanatani Hindus are being tortured in Bangladesh." She argued that unless Hindus unite, such violent incidents would continue, highlighting a perceived need for communal solidarity in the face of adversity.
The convergence of spiritual commentary, diplomatic posturing, domestic politics, and citizenship issues around the Siliguri Corridor underscores its enduring significance as a flashpoint in India's national security and regional relations.
