A TISS interim report has raised concerns about the growing number of illegal immigrants, primarily Muslims from Bangladesh and Myanmar, in Maharashtra. The study, conducted by TISS pro-vice-chancellor Shankar Das and assistant professor Souvik Mondal, claims that certain political parties are exploiting these immigrants for vote-bank politics. The report further alleges that the influx of illegal immigrants is impacting the region’s socio-economic landscape, with many taking up low-skilled jobs, leading to wage suppression and growing resentment among local workers.
The study alleges that certain political groups are exploiting illegal immigrants for vote-bank politics, which could undermine the integrity of the democratic process. It highlights concerns over the manipulation of voter registration, with claims that undocumented immigrants are allegedly being issued fake voter IDs. The report also suggests that some politicians may support providing identification documents or ration cards to migrants in exchange for votes. This politics-driven migration, the study warns, contributes to growing polarisation and distracts from critical development priorities, potentially influencing electoral outcomes.
The study also alleges that the high influx of Muslim immigrants has shifted the religious demographics in Maharashtra, leading to insecurity and heightened communal tensions, particularly among the local Hindu communities. It further claims that these illegal immigrants are contributing to an increase in crime and security risks in the city, fueling public fears and prompting greater exclusion and targeting of migrant groups.
Additionally, the study points to informal NGOs and religious organisations as playing a role in assisting illegal migrants. According to the study, these groups, often operating in legal grey areas, provide essential services such as healthcare, education, and banking to undocumented immigrants. This assistance, the study suggests, exacerbates the challenges posed by the presence of illegal migrants in the city.
The study also highlighted that due to stringent regulations, registered NGOs often refrain from assisting illegal immigrants, leaving undocumented organisations to fill the gap. However, these unregistered groups lack the legal authority to challenge exploitation or advocate for migrant rights, further complicating the situation for undocumented immigrants.
In its recommendations, the study called for “effective policies” that would address both the humanitarian needs of immigrants and the security concerns of the city, fostering a more inclusive and cohesive urban environment in Mumbai.
While the researchers surveyed approximately 3,000 immigrants, the interim report only presented findings based on a sample of 300. This raised concerns among some experts and faculty members at TISS, particularly regarding the timing of the report just ahead of the state Assembly elections.
“The timing of the report, coupled with the small sample size chosen from a much larger pool of respondents, raises questions. It suggests that TISS may be aligning with a particular political party to influence the upcoming elections,” a TISS professor said.
The rising issue of illegal immigration in Maharashtra, particularly from Bangladesh and Myanmar, has become a focal point for political exploitation, with certain parties accused of using these immigrants for vote-bank politics. By providing undocumented migrants with voter IDs and other forms of identification, some political groups are allegedly securing votes in exchange for promises of welfare benefits or legal recognition. This practice not only raises serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process but also highlights the vulnerability of migrants who, in the absence of legal protection, become pawns in a high-stakes political game.
Of late, certain states in India have been facing demographic changes due to an increased influx of illegal migrants, mostly from Bangladesh and Myanmar. It has been observed that they are primarily Islamists and have made their presence felt in several districts of Assam, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and now Maharashtra.
