Kharge hits back at PM Modi over Assam ‘infiltrators’ remarks, calls accusations unfair

Political War of Words: Kharge Rebukes PM Modi Over Assam ‘Infiltrators’ Remark

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Summary: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge denies PM Modi’s claim that Congress protects infiltrators in Assam.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp rebuttal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent comments about alleged infiltrators during a rally in Assam, accusing the prime minister of shifting blame and sidestepping governing responsibilities.

Modi, speaking in Guwahati, had criticised the Congress party for opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and accused it of encouraging illegal immigration, particularly from Bangladesh, to build a vote bank in Assam. The prime minister said the BJP was taking firm steps to keep infiltrators out and claimed past Congress governments had failed to protect the region’s security and cultural identity.

In response, Kharge said it was illogical for Modi to blame the Opposition when the BJP is in power both at the Centre and in Assam — what the ruling party refers to as a “double-engine government.” He questioned why, if border security and infiltration are such concerns, responsibility was being foisted on Congress when the BJP controls the relevant governments.

Kharge dismissed the infiltrator allegations as politically motivated and a tactic to cover up governance failures. “When they fail, they put all the blame on the Opposition,” he said, adding that Congress does not support infiltrators, terrorists, or anti-national activities, and that his party would always act in the country’s interest.

The exchange highlights how immigration and border security have become central talking points in political campaigning ahead of key elections, with both sides digging in on contrasting narratives about responsibility, identity and governance in Assam.