Exclusionary rhetoric and policies harm undocumented immigrants, Rohingya refugees, and marginalized groups. Compassion and inclusion are essential in addressing these critical issues.
By Minority Watch, Delhi—
As Delhi approaches its Assembly elections on February 5, 2025, the air is charged with political promises and rhetoric. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Delhi’s two main political contenders, are locked in a heated battle, each vying to appear more stringent on immigration issues. However, these developments raise pressing questions about the human rights and dignity of vulnerable groups, including undocumented immigrants, many of whom live precariously on the fringes of society.
Amit Shah’s Promise to Evict Illegal Immigrants
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent speeches in Narela and other parts of Delhi have drawn attention for their aggressive anti-immigration stance. Shah vowed that if the BJP wins the Delhi elections, it will make the capital “the world’s number one city” and rid it of “illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and Rohingyas” within two years. He accused the AAP government of sheltering these undocumented migrants and emphasized the need for their expulsion.
This rhetoric is part of a broader narrative that has shaped Indian politics for decades. Since the late 1980s, various political factions have politicized immigration to polarize voters, often equating undocumented migrants with security threats. Shah’s promise to deport illegal immigrants continues this tradition, but the implications for human rights are profound.
AAP’s Anti-Immigrant Measures
While the BJP’s hardline stance is not new, the ruling AAP has also adopted exclusionary measures. Last month, the Delhi Municipal Corporation, under AAP’s governance, directed government schools to halt the enrollment of children suspected of being “illegal Bangladeshi migrants.” School officials were instructed to inform the police in cases of doubt about a child’s citizenship. Such directives echo policies seen in other countries, like the U.S.’s family separation measures at the Mexico border, and underscore the vulnerability of immigrant children who already face systemic discrimination.
The exclusionary rhetoric extends beyond Delhi. In Maharashtra, the BJP-Shiv Sena government has also threatened deportation of undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants, signaling a nationwide trend of anti-immigrant posturing.
Historical Context of Anti-Immigration Rhetoric
The targeting of Bangladeshi immigrants has a long history in India. From “Operation Pushback” in the 1990s to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise in Assam, undocumented migration has been weaponized to consolidate political power. The narrative often portrays Bangladeshi migrants as “Muslim infiltrators” while non-Muslim migrants are framed as “persecuted minorities” deserving of citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019.
The current discourse continues to deepen divisions, stigmatizing Muslim migrants while offering protection to others. This selective empathy undermines India’s long-standing secular ethos and raises questions about the state’s responsibilities toward all vulnerable groups.
Impact on Rohingya Refugees and Bangladeshi Migrants
Among the most affected by these policies are Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi migrants living in Delhi and elsewhere in India. The Rohingya, fleeing ethnic violence in Myanmar, live in makeshift camps with little access to basic amenities or rights. Threats of deportation add to their precarious existence. Similarly, undocumented Bangladeshi migrants, many of whom work as laborers or domestic workers, face discrimination, police harassment, and social ostracism.
Children are particularly vulnerable. Policies that restrict their access to education violate their fundamental rights and risk perpetuating cycles of poverty. Studies have shown that excluding immigrant children from schools not only harms their prospects but also weakens social cohesion.
Election Rhetoric vs. Ground Realities
While both the BJP and AAP claim to prioritize the welfare of Delhi’s residents, their anti-immigrant rhetoric diverts attention from pressing issues such as housing shortages, unemployment, and public health crises. Amit Shah’s critique of the AAP’s governance—including allegations of corruption and mismanagement—has dominated headlines, but it is worth noting that neither party has presented a clear, compassionate plan for addressing the root causes of migration or improving the lives of marginalized communities.
For instance, many migrants come to Delhi seeking better economic opportunities, often taking up jobs that locals are unwilling to perform. Instead of framing them as threats, political leaders could focus on policies that integrate migrants into the social and economic fabric of the city while addressing legitimate concerns about resource allocation.
The Broader Implications for Human Rights
The emphasis on deportation and exclusion has implications beyond Delhi. It sends a message to the rest of the country that certain groups can be targeted with impunity, exacerbating xenophobia and majoritarianism. The international community has repeatedly criticized such measures for violating human rights norms, and domestic civil society groups have called for a more humane approach.
India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, which complicates its handling of asylum seekers like the Rohingya. However, it is bound by its Constitution and international human rights obligations to protect vulnerable populations. Policies that disproportionately target specific communities risk undermining these commitments and India’s democratic values.
A Call for Compassion and Inclusion
As Delhi’s voters prepare to head to the polls, it is crucial to consider the broader implications of the choices before them. Leaders must be held accountable not only for their promises but also for their treatment of the most vulnerable. Instead of scapegoating immigrants, political parties should focus on inclusive development, ensuring that all residents—regardless of their legal status—have access to basic rights and opportunities.
In a city as diverse and dynamic as Delhi, there is room for everyone. Policies that foster integration, rather than exclusion, will ultimately create a stronger, more cohesive society. As Minority Watch continues to monitor these developments, we urge all stakeholders to remember that behind every statistic is a human story deserving of dignity and respect.
