Should Sheikh Hasina Be Sent Back to Bangladesh? Nawab Malik Challenges BJP
Synopsis
In a fiery address, Nawab Malik questions BJP's motives, urging a reconsideration of their stance towards the Muslim community. He provocatively suggests sending Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh while addressing the ongoing political narrative surrounding illegal immigration.
Key Takeaways
Nawab Malik questions BJP's motives regarding Muslim community targeting.
Calls for Sheikh Hasina's return to Bangladesh.
BJP accused of using Bangladeshi migrant narrative for political gain.
Malik highlights the need for serious discussions on illegal immigration.
Demographics in Mumbai's politics are complex and nuanced.
Mumbai, Jan 7 (NationPress) In a stinging critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections approach, NCP leader Nawab Malik on Wednesday accused the party of unfairly targeting the Muslim community under the guise of identifying Bangladeshi migrants.
Malik took aim at Mumbai BJP chief Amit Satam, who alleged a surge in illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators in regions such as Malvani, Kurla, and Mankhurd-Shivajinagar. He quipped, “Before discussing Bangladeshi infiltration, perhaps it's time to send Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh.”
He further asserted that the current troubles facing Hindus in Bangladesh stem from the circumstances surrounding Hasina's tenure and her presence in India.
Malik called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address this issue seriously, asserting that the BJP's position seemed contradictory.
Speaking to reporters after the NCP released its manifesto for the BMC elections, Malik claimed that the BJP's tactics aimed to polarize voters and create a divide between Hindus and Muslims during the ongoing campaign.
He dismissed the BJP's allegations as a political tactic that has been used regularly over the past 30 to 40 years.
“The identification and deportation of illegal immigrants is a legal process managed by the Mumbai Police and the courts under the authority of both the State and Central governments,” he noted, accusing the BJP of raising the Bangladeshi issue only when elections are nearing to sway voters.
Malik reminded the BJP that during Lal Krishna Advani's time as Home Minister, there was even a suggestion for work permits for Bangladeshis.
Critiquing Amit Satam’s grasp of Mumbai’s demographics, Malik pointed out that despite being a multi-term MLA, Satam seems oblivious to the realities on the ground.
“In Satam's own constituency, there are 60,000 Muslim voters. Why does he fail to mention them? He visits their homes, dines with them, and greets them warmly, yet he targets the community elsewhere for political gain,” he added sarcastically.
Earlier, Satam, during a press conference, questioned how many Bangladeshis and Rohingya infiltrators have settled in Mumbai under a minister who served in Uddhav Thackeray’s cabinet.
Regions like Malvani, Malad, Mankhurd, Deonar, and Kurla have seen the rise of numerous illegal slums with political backing, he claimed.
“How did voter numbers in wards such as Malvani, Malad–Madh, Kurla, and Chandivali increase by almost 50% since 2017, while South Mumbai experienced a decline? Who owns the nearly 10,000 illegal structures in Malvani? Who resides there? And who registered these individuals as voters?” Satam queried.
Point of View
It is crucial to observe that while political rhetoric often intensifies during elections, the accusations made by Nawab Malik against the BJP highlight the contentious nature of communal narratives in Indian politics. The focus should remain on fostering dialogue and understanding among communities rather than deepening divides.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Nawab Malik accuse the BJP of?
Nawab Malik accused the BJP of targeting the Muslim community under the guise of identifying Bangladeshi migrants.
What was Malik's response to BJP's claims about Bangladeshi infiltrators?
Malik suggested that before discussing Bangladeshi infiltration, the BJP should consider sending Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh.
How has the BJP been using the issue of illegal immigrants according to Malik?
Malik claims that the BJP raises the issue of Bangladeshi infiltration primarily during election campaigns to polarize voters.
What demographic did Malik highlight in Satam's constituency?
Malik pointed out that there are 60,000 Muslim voters in Satam's constituency.
What did Malik say about the legal process concerning illegal immigrants?
He stated that the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants is a legal process managed by the Mumbai Police and the courts.
