Bihar Parties Hail Panel to Study Demographic Change

Patna: Political reactions in Bihar have been swift following the Centre’s announcement of a high-level committee to examine demographic shifts. Both ruling and opposition voices have broadly welcomed the initiative while flagging worries about cross-border infiltration. BJP state president Sanjay Sarawagi told reporters that the problem extends beyond Bihar. He recalled that the Union Home Minister recently spent three days touring border districts without any electoral motive, underscoring the gravity of the issue. Sarawagi warned that unchecked illegal migration threatens India’s security landscape and cultural fabric nationwide. State minister Ramakripal Yadav said infiltration from Bangladesh has already altered the demographic makeup of several districts, with some localities registering nearly 100 percent change. He stressed that the influx of foreign nationals is compromising internal security and requires urgent policy intervention. JD(U) spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan emphasised that individuals lacking valid citizenship or documentation endanger national interests. He insisted that welfare benefits meant for 140 crore Indians cannot be shared with illegal residents and called for their systematic removal. The newly formed committee is expected to deliver a factual assessment of infiltration routes, forged papers, and population imbalances, providing the basis for future government action.