Assam polls Sonowal puts illegal immigration at core of BJP campaign

Last Updated:April 05, 2026, 2:03 pm IST

Sonowal makes illegal immigration central to Assam polls, blames Congress, vows tougher action, claims pro incumbency and predicts BJP alliance near 100 of 126 seats

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal (Image: PTI/File)

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has placed the issue of illegal immigration in Assam at the centre of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) campaign for the upcoming state Assembly elections, asserting that it remains critical to safeguarding the state’s identity.

Highlighting the BJP’s development record over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the former Assam Chief Minister said concerns around infiltration continue to persist despite progress. He blamed previous Congress governments for encouraging illegal settlers for vote-bank politics, warning that their presence threatens the language, culture and identity of indigenous Assamese communities.

Sonowal Warns Of Threat To Assamese Identity

“There is visible development in Assam, and the people have benefited as well. But the question of the identity of the Assamese people remains. Due to Congress’s misrule, illegal immigrants were encouraged to come to Assam and settle here to create vote banks. This poses a threat to the existence, language, culture, and identity of the indigenous Assamese,” Sonowal said, Hindustan Times reported.

The Union Minister maintained that the BJP-led government has already taken steps to evict such settlers but indicated that further action is needed.

“Our government has done a lot to evict these illegal settlers from government lands, but that issue is not yet settled completely. We need to do more to make them landless and lower their strength and confidence. Their presence has to be minimised in the job sector and they must be made totally cornered. We are not going to compromise on that,” he added.

BJP Confident Of Big Win

Speaking about the ongoing campaign, the Minister said public sentiment appears strongly in favour of the BJP and its allies, attributing this to what he described as a decade of development and welfare initiatives backed by the Centre. He dismissed the possibility of anti-incumbency, asserting instead that there is “pro-incumbency” in favour of the ruling party.

Projecting a strong electoral performance, Sonowal said the BJP-led alliance could secure close to 100 seats in the 126-member Assembly. He also spoke about his changed role since leading the party as chief minister in the 2021 polls, describing it as one of “joy and more responsibility,” while reiterating the party’s commitment to forming the next government.

Assessing the opposition’s six-party alliance, Sonowal said it may appear strong on paper but lacks grassroots strength. He described the upcoming election as crucial not only for development but also for protecting Assam’s demographic and cultural fabric, urging voters to support the party to continue its efforts.

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