Bangladeshi Muslim population grows 5-7% in Assam and West Bengal

Manan Kumar
Monday, 1 September 2014
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-bangladeshi-muslim-population-grows-5-7-2015180

2011 Census data shows in many districts of Assam, Bengal they are in a maority

The religion data findings of Census 2011 show exponential growth in Muslim population of Bangladeshi origin over the last census in several districts across Assam and West Bengal.

The data was complied last week by the Office of Registrar General of India (RGI) and the Census Commissioner. It shows 5-7 percentage point increase in absolute terms of Bangladeshi Muslim population over the 2001 census data in nearly all districts of Assam and West Bengal bordering Bangladesh, sources told dna.

So, how many Bangladeshi Muslims are there?

"In most districts of Assam and West Bengal bordering Bangladesh, their population has either become majority or threatening to become majority. The uniform increase of 5-7 percent clearly shows illegal migration has remained unchecked during the last decade," a source said.

How's the new demographic changing politics?

The All India United Democratic Front of Badruddin Ajmal, said to be supported by Bangladeshi Muslims, won three seats – Karimganj, Dhubri and Barpeta – in the LS elections. Incidentally, Muslim population is the highest in these places.

Doesn't it vindicate the BJP stand?

Yes. Large-scale illegal immigration of Bangladeshi Muslims was the party's main poll plank in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Riding this plank, the BJP won 7 parliamentary seats, an all-time high, in Assam.

What's the govt reaction?

The data, being kept under tight wraps, was discussed in two back-to-back meetings by home minister Rajnath Singh, secretary Anil Goswami and RGI Dr C Chandramouli last week. A presentation of the findings is now being readied for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government is expected to kick-start a series of steps to check the demographic fallouts.

What's the break-up of the population?

Muslim population, mostly of Bangladeshi origin, is 59% in Barpeta, 36% in Cachar, 52% in Karimganj, 74% in Dhubri, 51% in Nagaon, 25% in Kamrup, 54% in Goalpara, 57% in Hailakandi, 47% in Uttar Dinajpur, 24% in South Dinajpur, 52% in Malda, 25% in Cooch Behar and 64% in Murshidabad as per 2001 census.