ISLAMABAD: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Feb. 5 used strong language in the Upper House of the Indian parliament, Rajya Sabha, while speaking during the motion of thanks on the President’s Address, targeting what he described as “ghuspaithiya” (infiltrators) and accusing political opponents of shielding them at the expense of citizens’ rights.

According to a post by Hindutva Watch on X, Modi claimed that while developed countries deport “illegal citizens,” in India, pressure was being exerted on courts to protect “ghuspaithiyas.”

He alleged that such infiltrators were stealing the rights of the country’s youth, taking away their livelihoods, and grabbing land belonging to Adivasi communities.

Indian media reported that Modi took a direct dig at the regional political party, Trinamool Congress (TMC), during his speech in the Upper House, saying “some are trying their best to protect infiltrators.”

He argued that people living under what he described as ineffective governance faced an uncertain future, while those in power focused on political gains.

Serious threat

Modi alleged that infiltration posed a serious threat to livelihoods, land rights, and public safety, particularly for tribal communities.

He warned that young citizens were being deprived of opportunities because policies, he said, prioritized “infiltrators” over citizens.

Drawing a comparison with other nations, he said that developed and prosperous countries were serious about removing infiltrators, whereas in India, courts were being approached to save them.

Quoting Modi, Indian media reported him as saying that those advocating for infiltrators were “snatching away the rights of my country’s youth, taking away their livelihoods, snatching away the land of the tribals” and creating dangers for the lives of “our sons and daughters.”

Special Intensive Revision dispute

Modi further criticized TMC leaders, saying they spoke on many issues but failed to acknowledge their own shortcomings.

He said people in West Bengal were suffering and accused the state government of approaching courts to protect infiltrators because it only cared about power.

The remarks came a day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee argued in person before the Chief Justice of India, taking the Special Intensive Revision dispute to the country’s highest court.

Articles tagged with "Rajya Sabha"

Modi targets TMC, claims ‘infiltrators’ stealing rights of youth, tribals