The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) unequivocally condemns Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s divisive remarks and the dangerous political motives behind the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, passed in the Lok Sabha. By declaring that “India is not a ‘dharamshala’” and singling out vulnerable communities such as Rohingyas and Bangladeshis, Shah has once again exposed the BJP’s relentless agenda of weaponizing immigration to serve its political interests, at the cost of India’s constitutional principles and humanitarian obligations.

India has long been a refuge for the persecuted—offering shelter to Tibetans, Sri Lankan Tamils, and others fleeing violence. Yet, Amit Shah’s rhetoric seeks to erase this legacy, replacing it with fear-mongering and communal polarization. His remarks are not just inflammatory but serve as a calculated dog whistle to stoke division, distract from the government’s failure on border management, and consolidate power through exclusionary policies.

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, is a regressive and authoritarian piece of legislation disguised as reform. It grants sweeping, unchecked powers to immigration officers, enabling arbitrary denials of entry based on vague and undefined “national security” threats. The absence of a fair appeal process paves the way for rampant misuse, disproportionately targeting Muslims and other marginalized groups. This bill is not about security—it is about institutionalizing discrimination and furthering the BJP’s Hindutva-driven exclusionary vision.

Shah’s claim that this bill will help make India a “developed nation by 2047” is nothing but empty rhetoric. In reality, it imposes burdensome surveillance responsibilities on businesses, universities, and hospitals, creating an atmosphere of fear that will deter talent, tourism, and investment. Worse still, it fails to establish any framework for refugees or asylum-seekers, abandoning India’s moral and international responsibilities at a time of global displacement crises.

The SDPI demands the immediate withdrawal of this bill or its referral to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for a comprehensive review. We urge the Rajya Sabha to reject this blatant attack on India’s pluralism and hold the BJP accountable for its divisive politics. Furthermore, Amit Shah must retract his offensive remarks and apologize for undermining India’s heritage of inclusivity and justice.

The SDPI stands firm in its commitment to an India that upholds constitutional values, welcomes the oppressed, and resists policies that seek to divide and discriminate.

Yasmin Farooqui
National General Secretary
Social Democratic Party of India