Assam BJP Evicts Thousands Muslims Ahead State Elections

In Assam, India, thousands of Bengali-speaking Muslim families have been evicted from their homes in a large-scale crackdown led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of state elections. Authorities accuse these families, many of whom were born in India, of illegally occupying government land and being “illegal infiltrators” from Bangladesh, a claim that has sparked widespread criticism and allegations of religious discrimination. The BJP government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, argues that unchecked Muslim infiltration threatens India’s identity and has contributed to demographic shifts, while opposition parties accuse the government of using anti-Muslim sentiment for political gain. The evictions have resulted in protests, including fatal incidents, and widespread displacement, with many families now living under tarpaulin shelters. Human rights organizations have condemned the crackdown as discriminatory and a reflection of broader anti-Muslim policies under the BJP. The campaign also coincides with deteriorating India-Bangladesh relations following political changes in Dhaka, with India pressuring Bangladesh to accept deportees labeled as illegal migrants.