PM Modi Alleges Demographic Changes in West Bengal Due to Infiltration
PM Modi accuses Trinamool of enabling illegal migration, altering Bengal's demography.
Photo by BoliviaInteligente
Key Facts
PM Modi: Illegal migration altering West Bengal's demography
CAA 2019: Provides protection to refugees
Accusation: Trinamool perpetuating illegal migration
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Citizenship, Constitutional provisions
GS Paper I: Social Issues - Migration, Demographic Change
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on CAA and its implications
Visual Insights
West Bengal Districts Mentioned in PM Modi's Address
Map highlighting Malda and Murshidabad districts in West Bengal, where PM Modi alleged demographic changes due to infiltration.
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More Information
Background
The issue of demographic change due to migration in West Bengal has historical roots tracing back to the partition of India in 1947, which resulted in large-scale displacement and cross-border migration. Subsequent socio-political events, including the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, further contributed to migration flows. The porous border between India and Bangladesh has historically facilitated both documented and undocumented migration.
Concerns about the impact of migration on local resources, cultural identity, and political representation have been voiced by various groups over the decades. These concerns have often been intertwined with debates about citizenship, national security, and socio-economic development, shaping the political discourse in the region.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been increased scrutiny of cross-border migration and its impact on West Bengal's socio-political landscape. The implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam and the subsequent debates surrounding citizenship verification have heightened concerns in West Bengal. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, aims to provide a pathway to Indian citizenship for religious minorities (excluding Muslims) who have fled persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
However, the CAA has faced criticism for its discriminatory nature and potential impact on the secular fabric of the country. The ongoing debates about migration, citizenship, and identity are expected to continue shaping the political discourse in West Bengal in the coming years.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019: 1. The CAA provides a path to Indian citizenship for religious minorities, excluding Muslims, who have fled persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. 2. The CAA amends the Citizenship Act of 1955 to allow illegal migrants of specific religious communities to apply for Indian citizenship. 3. The CAA applies to those who entered India before December 31, 2014. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are correct. The CAA aims to provide citizenship to religious minorities (excluding Muslims) persecuted in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who entered India before December 31, 2014, by amending the Citizenship Act of 1955.
2. Which of the following statements accurately describes the historical context of migration into West Bengal? A) Migration into West Bengal began only after the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. B) The partition of India in 1947 did not significantly impact migration patterns into West Bengal. C) Migration into West Bengal has been solely due to economic factors, with no political or social drivers. D) The partition of India in 1947 and the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 were significant events that contributed to migration into West Bengal.
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
Show Answer
Answer: D
The partition of India in 1947 and the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 were major events that led to large-scale displacement and migration into West Bengal.
3. With reference to demographic changes, which of the following statements is NOT correct? A) Demographic change can be influenced by migration, birth rates, and death rates. B) Demographic changes have no impact on the socio-economic structure of a region. C) Large-scale migration can alter the ethnic composition of a region. D) Demographic changes can lead to shifts in political representation.
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
Show Answer
Answer: B
Demographic changes significantly impact the socio-economic structure of a region, influencing factors such as resource allocation, employment, and social services.