Report on illegal migrants ahead of Delhi polls raises eyebrows

WHILE Delhi goes to polls on February 5, a report on illegal immigration by some professors of Jawaharlal Nehru University has evoked controversy.

The report, titled "Illegal Immigrants to Delhi: Analysing Socio-economic and Political Consequences," said that illegal migration from Bangladesh and Myanmar was taking a toll on the city's infrastructure and economy.

The demographic changes caused by migration have altered the religious composition in many areas of Delhi, the report added.

The report took exception to a notable increase in the Muslim population due to migration from Bangladesh.

The political patronage provided to these migrants has changed the national capital's social, political and economic landscape.

The voter registration of these migrants through fake identification documents was undermining the electoral process.

The report highlighted the economic challenges linked to migration, particularly in low-paid jobs.

Migrants find work in construction and as house helps, and settle for low wages. This affects the overall wage levels.

The influx of undocumented migrants has strengthened criminal networks and provided fillip to various illegal activities, it added.

The report pointed out that migrants primarily settle in neighbourhoods such as Seelampur, Jamia Nagar, Zakir Nagar, Sultanpuri, Mustafabad, Jafrabad, Dwarka, Govindpuri, and others.

Members of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers' Association (JUNTA) claim the timing of the report arouses suspicion.

They felt a narrative was being built just before the Delhi assembly election. They pointed out that a similar report on Mumbai by Tata Institute of Social Sciences was released just before Maharashtra elections.

BJP leader Sambit Patra, slammed the AAP government in Delhi over the JNU report findings. He alleged that AAP was providing political patronage to illegal Bangaldeshis and Rohingyas by facilitating fake voter registrations.