AIUDF Slams Assam Govt's Aadhaar Move, Says BJP Opening Doors for Bangladeshi Hindus

All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) MLA Rafiqul Islam on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Assam government for its recent decision to issue Aadhaar cards for adults only through the offices of District Commissioners (DCs). 

He claimed the move was part of a broader attempt to harass Muslims while ignoring other groups that entered Assam illegally.

Speaking to the media, Islam asserted, "There is not a single Muslim who is a foreigner in Assam. Muslims have documents in their hands. They have complete records. Their voter list, land records, and father-grandfather's papers of NRC."

Islam alleged that while the government scrutinises Muslims, it has turned a blind eye to Bengali Hindu migrants from Bangladesh.

"For those, the BJP has laid a red carpet, are Bengali Hindus coming from Bangladesh. Those who are still coming, and after 1971, they have come in millions. The same people who obtain their Aadhaar cards illegally will now be caught. Those whom the BJP targets and wants to take to the DC office, they have papers and genuine records,” he claimed.

The AIUDF MLA also criticised the logistical challenges associated with issuing Aadhaar solely through DC offices, saying it would create unnecessary hardship for the public.

"The arrangements should be correct. People should not have to line up after going there, people should not have to travel there for two days, three days, four days,” he added.

On the issue of eviction drives across the state, Islam alleged that the government was targeting landless individuals rather than so-called "doubtful" citizens.

“The government’s narrative is misleading. Those being evicted are mostly poor and landless — many have documents dating back 200 or even 400 years. Bulldozers are being sent to the homes of the Gwalparia people, who are descendants of the Rajbanshi community. Their presence in Assam predates even the Chief Minister himself,” he said.

The Assam government, meanwhile, has defended its decision as a measure to protect the state’s demographic balance. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently announced that Aadhaar cards for adults will soon be issued exclusively through DC offices, aiming to curb illegal entries and prevent Aadhaar misuse.

“In our continuous efforts to detect and deport illegal infiltrators, we pushed back 20 Bangladeshis just last night. This new rule on Aadhaar will help ensure that no illegal immigrant can acquire an identity card and vanish into the system,” CM Sarma said on Friday.

He added that a final decision on the Aadhaar issuance policy would be made in the next Cabinet meeting. The only exception to the rule, according to the government, would be tea garden workers, who face unique circumstances.

Also Read: Assam NRC Data To Be Released After Aadhar-Like Regime Is Set Up: Centre