Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday reiterated that the right to vote must be reserved exclusively for Indian citizens, underscoring the government’s commitment to tackling illegal infiltration and ensuring the integrity of the country’s electoral rolls.
Speaking at the Narendra Mohan Memorial Lecture and Literary Creation Awards ceremony, Shah said that infiltration from neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan has led to demographic changes in certain border states.
“The increase in the Muslim population is a result of infiltration from Bangladesh and Pakistan. The right to vote should be only available to those who are citizens of this country,” Shah said during his address.
🗳️ “Voting Is a Constitutional Right, Not a Political Tool”
Referring to the Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR) exercise currently being carried out by the Election Commission of India in poll-bound Bihar, the Home Minister emphasized that no political party or group should interfere with the process.
“No one should interfere in the SIR exercise as it is the constitutional responsibility of the Election Commission,” he said, calling for cooperation from all stakeholders.
Shah also reiterated the government’s stance on identifying and removing illegal immigrants.
“We will follow the detect, delete, and deport process for infiltrators. Infiltration should not be viewed through a political lens, and such individuals should not be given political protection,” he added.
🇮🇳 “India Cannot Become a Dharamshala”
Cautioning against unchecked entry of foreigners, Shah said India cannot afford to open its borders to anyone without proper legal processes.
“If anyone in the world who wants to come here is allowed to do so, our country will become a dharamshala. We must protect our borders and ensure that citizenship and voting rights remain with Indians only,” the Home Minister stated.
🔍 Context: Electoral Integrity and Citizenship
Amit Shah’s remarks come amid the Election Commission’s ongoing review of voter rolls across several states ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections. The government has maintained that illegal infiltration not only affects national security but also distorts electoral representation in border districts.
Earlier, Shah had called for the implementation of a nationwide National Register of Citizens (NRC) to identify and remove illegal immigrants, while assuring protection for genuine Indian citizens.
📊 Key Points from Amit Shah’s Remarks
- “Right to vote should be only available to Indian citizens.”
- Infiltration from Bangladesh and Pakistan affecting demographic balance.
- “Detect, delete, and deport” process to continue against infiltrators.
- Election Commission’s SIR exercise should proceed without interference.
- “India cannot become a dharamshala for anyone entering illegally.”
