Claiming over 25,000 undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants are taking away local jobs in Bengaluru’s Mahadevapura, the BJP’s area unit has announced a large-scale survey starting Sunday.
The initiative, led by the Mahadevapura Task Force—a volunteer group headed by ex-minister Aravind Limbavali—aims to trace and deport illegal immigrants. In a video statement, Limbavali urged residents to report suspected infiltrators, asserting, “Our war room is already receiving tip-offs. Please inform us if you spot any.”
He maintained that the state government would act firmly to repatriate illegal immigrants to Bangladesh.
Congress leader H Lokesh, who contested the 2023 Assembly elections from Mahadevapura, criticised the move as a fear-mongering tactic. “Ironically, the same people created fake voter IDs during elections. They are now targeting the very vote bank they nurtured,” he alleged, referencing the deletion of over 9,000 fraudulent votes last year.
According to BJP volunteers, undocumented migrants mainly reside in Munnekollala, Kadugodi, Thubarahalli, and surrounding areas, often working as maids, delivery staff, and waste collectors. Some residents worry the crackdown could worsen shortages of domestic and sanitation workers.
Task force member Manohar Reddy claimed many migrants use counterfeit Aadhaar cards and occupy rented plots facilitated by agents. He added that the team identified around 1,000 suspected Bangladeshis, many of whom allegedly have contacts in Bangladesh evidenced by frequent calls to +880 numbers.