The political temperature in Chhattisgarh has surged following the recent deportation of illegal Bangladeshi nationals. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has taken a firm stance against the BJP-led state government, demanding greater transparency and decisive action against illegal Rohingya, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani nationals allegedly residing in the region.
Baghel referenced a central directive issued after the Pahalgam terror attack, questioning how many Pakistani nationals have actually been identified and deported to date. He accused the BJP of merely using the infiltration issue as a political tool during election campaigns.
“After Operation Sindoor, the Government of India instructed the identification and deportation of Pakistani nationals. During elections, the BJP vowed to send back all Rohingya, Bangladeshis, and Pakistanis. Two years have passed, and yet not a single deportation has been carried out. Their silence speaks volumes about their inaction,” Baghel stated, challenging the effectiveness of the so-called ‘double-engine’ BJP government.
In response, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma dismissed Baghel’s statements, urging him to bring up such concerns inside the legislative assembly rather than through media commentary.
“If Mr. Baghel truly seeks answers, he should raise the issue in the House. He wasn’t even present yesterday when the PM Awaas Yojana matter was up for discussion. We have records of all legal Pakistani nationals. As for those here illegally, investigations are already ongoing,” Sharma asserted.
According to sources, approximately 2,000 Pakistani citizens are currently residing in India on valid short- and long-term visas, with over 95% of them identifying as Hindus. Some have even submitted applications for Indian citizenship. Notably, after the Pahalgam attack, 11 Pakistani nationals voluntarily returned to their home country.
While the Congress party continues to press for deportation statistics and immediate action, the BJP maintains that due process is being followed, urging political figures to participate in structured legislative discussions. As both parties continue to exchange sharp critiques, the issue of illegal foreign nationals has become a prominent political flashpoint in Chhattisgarh—one that may further escalate in the days to come.
