'Congress left borders open': Amit Shah raises infiltration pitch in poll-bound Assam
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 20, 2026
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah sharply criticized the Congress party during his speech in poll-bound Assam, accusing it of allowing infiltration that aimed to alter the state's demographics. Speaking at an election rally, Shah blamed past Congress governments for leaving Assam's borders open to infiltrators, which he claimed deprived local youth of opportunities and resources. He contrasted this with the current BJP government under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, praising efforts to reclaim land occupied by infiltrators and emphasizing the need for continued BJP leadership to secure the state’s future.
Shah’s remarks highlighted the BJP’s election strategy in Assam, where border security and demographics have long been contentious issues. He emphasized infrastructure development under the BJP’s tenure, including road construction and bridge building, as evidence of effective governance. Shah also launched the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme in Assam, focusing on 1,954 border villages across 15 states and two Union Territories. This initiative aims to boost rural development and security in areas vulnerable to infiltration.
Notably, CM Himanta Sarma, who previously served in the Congress government before joining the BJP, has played a pivotal role in Assam’s recent political shifts. Shah’s strong endorsement of Sarma’s work underscores theBJP’s efforts to consolidate power in Assam, particularly ahead of crucial elections. The minister’s aggressive stance against infiltration and his promises to deport those who entered during Congress rule
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026