The fate of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Assam will be decided on Monday when votes cast in the April 9 assembly elections are counted. The state is poised to learn whether the coalition secures a third consecutive term in power.
BJP's Central Campaign Plank: The Infiltrator Narrative
Ahead of the polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) centered its campaign on the issue of illegal immigration, framing it as a threat to identity, land, and security in the northeastern state. The party aggressively promoted its commitment to curbing the influx of undocumented migrants, a stance that has long resonated with a section of the electorate.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, a former Congress leader who joined the BJP, led the charge. His administration intensified enforcement measures, including the repeated pushback of alleged illegal immigrants to Bangladesh. Eviction drives were conducted in districts such as Darrang and Nagaon, targeting encroachments linked to undocumented migrants.
Controversy Over Sarma's Remarks and AI-Generated Video
Sarma's references to the term Miyas drew widespread condemnation. Critics argue that the term, traditionally used for Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam, is often employed pejoratively to imply Bangladeshi origin, raising concerns about communal polarisation. The controversy deepened when the Assam BJP posted an AI-generated video on social media platform X. The video purportedly showed Sarma aiming a rifle and firing at two individuals, one wearing a skull cap and the other with a beard, accompanied by the caption point-blank shot. The post was taken down after backlash.
Undeterred by criticism, the BJP reinforced its campaign messaging on illegal immigrants. Senior leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, asserted that every infiltrator in Assam would be deported within five years if the party remains in power. Supporters argue that such measures are necessary to address concerns over demographic change in Assam.
Criticism and Exit Polls
Critics have raised questions about due process, the reliability of identification mechanisms, and the broader humanitarian and social implications of both the rhetoric and proposed policy actions. Exit polls have projected a landslide victory for the NDA, though such forecasts do not always align with actual results.
The counting of votes on Monday will determine whether the BJP's strategy has paid off, as the state awaits the final verdict.
