Thiruvananthapuram, 11 July (H.S.):Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his recent remarks on demographic changes in India's border states, alleging that the Centre was attempting to create communal divisions and lay the groundwork for implementing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

In a statement, Vijayan said Shah's comments should not be viewed in isolation but in the context of the Union government's decision to constitute a committee to examine demographic changes in border regions. According to him, the developments reflected a broader political strategy aimed at generating suspicion and fear among people living in states such as Assam, West Bengal and Bihar.

Referring to Shah's reported remarks at a conference of Superintendents of Police from border districts, Vijayan said the Union Home Minister had attributed what he described as abnormal demographic changes in border states to illegal infiltration. The Opposition Leader alleged that such claims were being used to portray demographic shifts as a national security issue and to strengthen the case for the implementation of the CAA and NRC.

Vijayan further alleged that the Centre was deliberately promoting the narrative of illegal infiltration to target a particular community and deepen social divisions. He claimed that, much like the CAA, the proposed committee on demographic changes was intended to marginalise Muslim minorities by creating an atmosphere of distrust and insecurity.

Describing the developments as part of the Sangh Parivar's larger political agenda, Vijayan accused the BJP-led Union government of attempting to polarise society for electoral gains. He said such efforts threatened India's secular fabric and democratic values.

Calling for a united response, the Opposition Leader urged secular and democratic forces across the country to resist what he termed attempts to spread communal discord and divide people on religious lines. He said protecting constitutional values and preserving communal harmony should remain a collective national responsibility.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman