Assam 2026 Elections: Amit Shah Links Infiltration to Congress, Promises Removal

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has promised to remove all infiltrators from Assam if the BJP wins the 2026 elections. This is a major focus for the upcoming polls.
By Newsroom | Politics, Assam |

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has made a series of public statements in Assam, directly linking past Congress governments to issues of infiltration and asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will resolve these challenges. During recent visits and public addresses, Shah has presented the BJP's agenda as a decisive response to what he terms "sins" committed by previous administrations, promising both the deportation of infiltrators and a comprehensive development push for the state. His remarks precede the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, positioning the BJP’s platform on national security and state progress.

Background and Timeline of Statements

Amit Shah's recent engagements in Assam have been marked by strong rhetoric regarding border security and development. These statements coincide with a period of electoral preparation, as Assam gears up for its Assembly elections in 2026.

BJP will free Assam from sin Congress has committed: Amit Shah in Kamrup - 1

  • February 2026: Shah launched the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II) in Cachar district, specifically in Nathanpur village near the India-Bangladesh border. This program aims to provide border villages with facilities comparable to other villages across India. (Articles 1, 3, 4)

  • December 2025: Earlier statements also focused on the infiltration issue. Shah addressed gatherings, highlighting the need to free Assam from what he described as "infiltrators" and promised action if the BJP was returned to power. He also inaugurated development projects, such as the Rs 200 crore Batadrava cultural project in Nagaon. (Articles 6, 7)

Key Themes in Shah's Addresses

Several core themes have recurred in Amit Shah's speeches in Assam:

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Allegations Against Congress Regarding Infiltration

Shah has consistently accused the Congress party of fostering infiltration, attributing demographic changes in Assam to their policies.

BJP will free Assam from sin Congress has committed: Amit Shah in Kamrup - 2

  • He stated that the Congress "kept borders open for infiltrators" and allowed them to enter the state. (Articles 1, 3)

  • The Union Home Minister characterized the Congress's approach as treating "infiltrators… as a vote bank," suggesting this contributed to threats against Assam's people, land, and cultural identity. (Article 7)

  • He claimed that the BJP would reverse these alleged negative consequences, promising to "free Assam from the sin Congress has committed." (Article 2, 8)

Promises of Deportation and Security

A central promise from Shah has been the removal of infiltrators from Assam.

  • He pledged that "every infiltrator who entered Assam during the Congress regime would be sent back." (Article 1)

  • Shah stated that if the BJP wins a third term, infiltrators will be removed "one by one" and "driven out." (Articles 4, 5)

  • He drew a parallel to removing "Naxals" from other parts of the country, implying a resolute and systematic approach to clearing infiltrators, requiring "heart, courage, and resolve." (Article 2)

  • The Home Minister indicated that the government had already cleared "more than 1 lakh bighas" from encroachment, suggesting a precedent for future actions. (Article 6)

Emphasis on Development and Border Village Enhancement

Alongside security concerns, Shah has highlighted the BJP's development agenda for Assam.

BJP will free Assam from sin Congress has committed: Amit Shah in Kamrup - 3

  • The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II) was presented as a means to provide facilities in border villages "equal to those in all the villages of India." (Article 1, 3, 4)

  • He claimed that the BJP has achieved in ten years what the Congress could not in fifty years, in terms of development. (Article 4)

  • Shah also promised to make Assam "flood-free" within five years if the BJP returns to power, linking development to environmental resilience. (Articles 4, 9)

  • Specific development initiatives mentioned include boosting infrastructure like railways, waterways, and airports, and supporting industries such as the tea sector. (Article 5)

Expert and Political Commentary

While the provided data focuses on statements by Amit Shah, broader context is offered by the reporting of election preparations.

  • The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, reviewed poll preparedness for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, outlining the state's electoral map of 126 constituencies. (Article 2)

  • Shah's visit and pronouncements are framed against the backdrop of the BJP seeking a third consecutive term in Assam. (Article 1)

Evidence and Statements

The following points are directly supported by the provided articles:

BJP will free Assam from sin Congress has committed: Amit Shah in Kamrup - 4

  • Border Security and Infiltration: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has repeatedly accused the Congress party of neglecting border security, leading to infiltration in Assam. He has pledged that the BJP government will deport all such infiltrators if re-elected. (Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

  • Vibrant Villages Programme: Shah launched the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II) from Cachar district, emphasizing its role in developing border villages and strengthening security. (Articles 1, 3, 4)

  • Development Promises: Shah has contrasted the BJP's development record with the Congress's, promising comprehensive progress for Assam, including making it flood-free. (Articles 1, 4, 5, 9)

  • Electoral Context: The statements are made in the context of upcoming Assembly elections in Assam, with the BJP aiming for a third consecutive term. (Articles 1, 2)

  • Cultural and Identity Concerns: Shah has linked infiltration to damage to Assam's "values, literature, identity, and culture," and asserted the BJP's commitment to protecting the Assamese cultural identity. (Article 6, 7)

Analysis of Contending Narratives

The statements from Amit Shah present a clear dichotomy between the BJP's perceived role as a protector and developer of Assam, and the Congress's alleged failures in governance, particularly concerning border security and infiltration.

BJP's Stance: Action and Development

  • Core Argument: The BJP, under its leadership, is actively addressing historical neglect and security threats.

  • Evidence Cited: Launch of VVP-II, claims of clearing land, promises of deportation, and overall development efforts.

  • Framing: Presented as decisive action against past "sins" and a commitment to securing and advancing Assam.

Congress's Alleged Role: Neglect and Facilitation

  • Core Argument: The Congress party's policies and inaction are the root cause of infiltration and underdevelopment in Assam.

  • Evidence Cited: Shah's direct accusations of "keeping borders open" and treating infiltrators as a "vote bank."

  • Framing: Portrayed as a historical failure that has damaged the state's identity and security.

Development as a Counterpoint

  • Both security and development are presented as key pillars of the BJP's strategy. The Vibrant Villages Programme and promises of flood control are highlighted as tangible benefits for the state.

Conclusion and Implications

Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent pronouncements in Assam articulate a strong political platform for the BJP. The central message combines a direct accusation against the Congress for past failures in border management, particularly regarding infiltration, with a resolute promise to deport illegal entrants. Simultaneously, Shah is emphasizing the BJP's commitment to accelerating the development of Assam, especially in its border regions, through initiatives like the Vibrant Villages Programme and pledges to make the state flood-free.

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The timing of these statements, ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, indicates a strategic effort to consolidate voter support by addressing perceived security anxieties and developmental aspirations. The rhetoric suggests that the BJP intends to campaign on a platform of decisive action on infiltration and tangible progress in development, contrasting its approach with the Congress's alleged historical negligence. The effectiveness of this message will be a key factor in the upcoming electoral contest.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Amit Shah say about infiltration in Assam?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the Congress party of allowing infiltration into Assam, leading to changes in the state's demography. He promised that the BJP government would deport all infiltrators if re-elected in the 2026 elections.
Q: What is the BJP's plan for infiltrators in Assam?
Amit Shah has pledged that if the BJP wins a third term in Assam, the government will remove infiltrators 'one by one' and 'drive them out'. He also mentioned that the government has already cleared over 1 lakh bighas from encroachment.
Q: What development promises has Amit Shah made for Assam?
Shah launched the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme to develop border villages. He also promised to make Assam flood-free within five years and improve infrastructure like railways and waterways.
Q: Why is Amit Shah talking about these issues in Assam now?
These statements are being made ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. The BJP is aiming for a third consecutive term and is using these issues to campaign for votes.
Q: How does Amit Shah link Congress to infiltration in Assam?
Shah stated that Congress governments 'kept borders open for infiltrators' and treated them as a 'vote bank'. He claims this has threatened Assam's people, land, and cultural identity.