Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 79th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, announced the launch of a “high-powered demographic mission” aimed at protecting the country from what he described as the dangers of illegal immigration. He warned the nation about a “well-thought-out conspiracy” to alter India’s population composition and called it a threat that would not be tolerated.
“I would like to alert the nation about a concern, a challenge. Under a well-thought-out conspiracy, the country’s demography is being changed, and seeds of a new crisis are being sown,” Modi said. “These infiltrators are snatching the livelihood of the youth of my country. They are targeting our sisters and daughters. They are misleading the adivasis and grabbing their lands. This will not be tolerated.”
Modi’s remarks come amid intensified crackdowns on “illegal immigration”, with authorities across several cities verifying the identities of workers suspected to be foreign nationals, particularly from Bangladesh, who are allegedly living under false Indian identities.
The Prime Minister also linked demographic shifts to national security concerns, especially in border regions. “Demographic changes in border areas pose a threat to national security. It sows the seeds of conflict. No country can surrender before infiltrators. Then how can we?” he said. “Not to allow such activities is our duty to our ancestors who gifted us an Independent India. So I announce from the ramparts of the Red Fort that we have decided to start a high-powered demography mission. This mission will tackle the danger that is looming over India.”
His statement was also seen as a pointed message to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, whose party has accused the government of targeting Bengali-speaking Indians under the guise of anti-Bangladeshi operations. Modi, however, stressed that the mission was necessary to safeguard India’s future and honour the sacrifices made for its independence.
