BJD sheltered Bangladeshis in Odisha for vote bank politics: BJP’s Jayanarayan Mishra

Bhubaneswar Mayor and BJD leader Sulochana Das recently faced significant backlash after expressing support for Bangladeshi immigrants, sparking a political controversy in Odisha. BJP on Friday accused the Opposition BJD of adopting a lenient approach towards Bangladeshis for electoral advantage.

Also Read: ‘We oppose her concern for Bangladeshis': Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das faces severe backlash

Accusations made by BJP leader Mishra

Senior BJP leader Jayanarayan Mishra has alleged that the BJD had facilitated the entry of Bangladeshis into Odisha by enabling them to obtain essential identity documents, such as Aadhaar cards. Mishra claims this mirrors actions by the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, where people are allegedly provided with voter identification and ration cards.

The BJD has dismissed these accusations as part of the BJP's anti-minority narrative. Ganeswar Behera, an executive member of the BJD, argued that the BJP is apathetic to minority issues, emphasising the importance of a humanitarian perspective in addressing Bangladeshi immigration concerns.

In compliance with recent directives from the Central government, Odisha's authorities have intensified their efforts to deal with the issue. In the areas such as Balaramgadi and Mirzapur in Balasore, numerous Bangladesh nationals have illegally lived in the district for decades, with some allegedly availing state welfare benefits.

Local administrative and police are conducting thorough surveys, including checks on identity documentation and language proficiency.

The rising political tensions have prompted swift demands from critics to identify and appropriately address those residing illegally. According to the Additional District Magistrate of Balasore, identification processes are underway.

“It is all vote bank politics, and they (BJD) had made their victories easy during the last 24 years in several constituencies with the help of these people (the Bangladeshis in Odisha). No one is allowed to stay for more than three days in a Dharmasala (hospice); whereas, they have been accommodated for the last so many years,” the senior BJP leader said.

“Security and safety of the original inhabitants, like us, is at stake. They (the Bangladeshis) are being used as criminals by them (BJD),” the senior BJP leader stated.

Must Read: 10 Bangladeshi nationals held at Bhubaneswar Railway Station

Reacting to this, BJD’s Ganeswar Behera expressed, “Was Congress not using as a vote bank but BJD? It is a mockery to say so and to bring such allegations. The BJP-led government is apathetic towards the minorities. Hence, they (BJP) are indifferent.”

Reported By: Prakash Mohanty, Sanjay Jena, Jagdish Das