Delhi Chief Minister Accuses Centre of Settling Rohingya Refugees, Sparking Political Row
New Delhi has become the epicenter of a heated political dispute between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the alleged settlement of Rohingya refugees. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has leveled serious accusations against the BJP-led central government, claiming they have systematically relocated a "large number" of illegal Rohingya refugees to various parts of the city, concealing this action from both the Delhi government and its residents. This claim has ignited a fierce exchange between the two parties, with each accusing the other of political maneuvering and distortion of facts.
The controversy escalated when Atishi cited 2022 tweets by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, interpreting them as evidence of a deliberate policy by the BJP government to settle Rohingya refugees in Delhi. She specifically pointed to the allocation of EWS (Economically Weaker Section) flats in Bakkarwala, intended for Delhi’s poor, as proof of this alleged policy. Atishi contended that these actions not only deprive Delhi’s citizens of their rightful housing but also pose a threat to law and order, potentially leading to job displacement and straining the city’s already limited resources.
Puri vehemently denied these accusations, labeling them as "politics of diversion, false narratives and half-truths." He clarified his previous tweets, asserting that no Rohingya refugees have been provided government housing in Delhi. Instead, he countered that the AAP government is responsible for hosting and supporting these refugees, providing them with essential services like electricity and water, and even allegedly offering financial assistance. This stark contrast in narratives underscores the deep political divide and the high stakes involved as both parties seek to control the narrative in the lead-up to the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections.
The issue of illegal immigration, specifically concerning Rohingya and Bangladeshi individuals residing in Delhi, has become a major point of contention between the AAP and BJP. The BJP has previously lodged complaints with the Election Commission, alleging that illegal immigrants have been registered as voters in Delhi with the AAP’s involvement. This accusation further intensifies the political battleground, with both parties attempting to portray the other as complicit in potentially illegal activities.
Atishi has raised concerns about the porous nature of the India-Bangladesh border, citing reports of thousands of Rohingya refugees crossing daily without obstruction. She questioned the central government’s ability to manage such a large influx of refugees and demanded an explanation from Home Minister Amit Shah on how these individuals reached Delhi, implying a systematic transportation network orchestrated by the BJP government. She also highlighted the apparent contradiction in the central government’s approach, noting that while the BJP-appointed Lieutenant Governor ordered a door-to-door survey to identify Rohingyas, the central government allegedly facilitated their settlement in the city.
Demanding transparency and accountability, Atishi has requested a comprehensive list of Rohingyas settled in Delhi from Home Minister Shah and insisted that no further settlement of illegal refugees should occur without the consent of the Delhi government and its people. This demand underscores the ongoing power struggle between the Delhi government and the centrally appointed Lieutenant Governor, further complicating the political landscape. The recent directive from the Lieutenant Governor’s office for a two-month drive to identify and take action against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants residing in Delhi adds another layer to this complex issue and sets the stage for further political sparring in the coming months.