Modi slammed for giving asylum to Hasina

In a recent election rally, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren criticized the central government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for what he called a “double standard” on issues related to Bangladesh. Soren questioned the government's decision to grant asylum to Bangladesh's deposed Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, while blaming state governments like Jharkhand for the issue of cross-border infiltration.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah raised the topic of infiltration during his campaign in Jharkhand, stating that the West Bengal and Jharkhand governments could halt the flow of illegal migrants if they were willing. Shah promised that, if elected, a BJP government in Jharkhand would enact strict laws to seize land from alleged infiltrators and drive them out of the country.

In response, Soren pointed out that border security falls under the jurisdiction of the central government, not the states. "Is it not the responsibility of the centre to guard the borders and prevent infiltration? The state government has no say in this,” he said, countering Shah’s accusations.

Additionally, Soren questioned why the central government allowed Sheikh Hasina to enter India if it was so concerned about border security. "Modi bowed before the Constitution when he was sworn in as Prime Minister... All sections of society will have equal rights. I want to ask him, have you made any internal arrangements with Bangladesh? Why did you allow Hasina’s helicopter to land in India?” he added.

According to Indian media, Hasina has been in a safe house in Delhi for two months after fleeing Bangladesh following a student-led uprising on August 5. While Delhi has confirmed her presence in India, officials have remained silent on her exact location. Sheikh Hasina, who has been a close ally of India, was ousted from her position amidst political turmoil in Bangladesh.