Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced the launch of a high-powered “demography mission” aimed at protecting the country from the dangers posed by illegal immigrants. Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, he cautioned citizens about a conspiracy to alter India’s demographic profile.
“I would like to alert the nation about a concern, a challenge. Under a well-thought-out conspiracy, the country’s demography is being changed, and seeds of a new crisis are being sown. These infiltrators are snatching the livelihood of the youth of my country. They are targeting our sisters and daughters. They are misleading the adivasis and grabbing their lands. This will not be tolerated,” said PM Modi.
Addressing the nation on Independence Day. https://t.co/rsFUG7q6eP
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2025
Authorities have been intensifying efforts to identify and act against illegal immigrants, especially those from Bangladesh, living under the guise of Indian citizens. The Prime Minister said that demographic changes, particularly in border areas, were a matter of national security.
Message to West Bengal Amid Political Tensions
The Prime Minister’s remarks also carried a pointed message for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, whose party alleges that Bengali-speaking Indians are being targeted under the anti-Bangladeshi crackdown.
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“Demographic changes in border areas pose a threat to national security. It sows the seeds of conflict. No country can surrender before infiltrators. Then how can we? Not to allow such activities is our duty to our ancestors who gifted us an Independent India. So I announce from the ramparts of Red Fort that we have decided to start a high-powered demography mission. This mission will tackle the danger that is looming over India,” PM Modi declared.
The issue has also sparked tensions over language identity after the Delhi Police referred to a translation as “written in Bangladeshi,” drawing criticism from the Trinamool Congress. The party accused the BJP of “systematically promoting xenophobia” and “deliberately targeting Bengalis,” saying, “Such dangerous narratives must be condemned and resisted at every level.”
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The BJP dismissed these allegations, with the party’s media cell chief Amit Malviya stating that Mamata Banerjee should be “held accountable… under the National Security Act” for her remarks. “To claim otherwise, and call on Bengalis to rise against the centre, is deeply irresponsible. Mamata Banerjee should be held accountable,” he said.
