Opinions on Hindu Bangladeshi refugees differ within BJP-led government

A month after being formed, the BJP-led alliance government in the Indian state of Assam has not yet been able to take a unanimous decision on the issue of granting Indian citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshi refugees.

Another issue that remains open is the privatization of the state's 12 oilfields.

The BJP had promised citizenship to Hindu refugees in its manifesto for 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Even during the Assam assembly election campaign, the party had promised settlement of the Hindu Bangladeshi refugee problem. But a growing number of protests is making it difficult for the BJP to take a decision.

Alliance partner AGP has asked the state government to reconsider the Union government's proposal of privatization of oil fields and granting citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshi refugees.

AGP general secretary Ramendra Narayan Kalita said that it is the responsibility of the government of India to implement the  Assam Accord. The AGP steering committee discussed the issue and demanded that the Assam Accord be implemented and the foreigners detected and deported on the basis of the Accord.

On the other hand, Manjit Mahanta, secretary general of the Asom Sangrami Mancha (ASM) said that the BJP has been trying to give settlement to lakhs of Hindu refugees from Bangladesh in the state. He alleged that the process is underway to welcome lakhs of Hindu Bangladeshis along the Karimganj border in the state. Around 20 lakh Hindu Bangladeshis will be allowed to enter India within the next two months, he said.

Meanwhile, leader of anti-talk faction of Ufla (I), Paresh Baruah, while  describing the central government move as "destructive", warned of serious consequences if the proposal is carried out.