The BJP has called for the identification and deportation of illegal Bangladeshi migrants in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The party warned about misuse of the state's Permanent Residency Certificate (PRC) and urged Centre‑State cooperation.

Key Takeaways (मुख्य बिंदु)

  • Special Intensive Revision (SIR) should be used to locate illegal Bangladeshi migrants.
  • Potential misuse of the state‑issued Permanent Residency Certificate (PRC) poses security risks.
  • Joint Centre‑State action is essential for swift deportation.

In a press briefing held in Mangaluru, Satish Kumpala, the BJP district president of Dakshina Kannada, demanded that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise be leveraged to trace illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and deport them back to Bangladesh. The call follows a recent police raid at a construction site where nine Bangladeshi laborers were detained, a move Kumpala described as a “warning” to the district administration.

Understanding the SIR Initiative

The Special Intensive Revision is a large‑scale demographic survey undertaken across several Indian districts to update population data and uncover unauthorized residents. In Dakshina Kannada, the exercise is seen as a strategic opportunity to pinpoint migrants who have entered the state illegally, especially those employed in construction and other labor‑intensive sectors.

Concerns Over the Permanent Residency Certificate (PRC)

Kumpala warned that illegal migrants could exploit the Permanent Residency Certificate (PRC) being issued by the Karnataka government. Current guidelines stipulate that an applicant—or his/her parent—must have resided continuously in Karnataka for a minimum of ten years. Nonetheless, the party fears that falsified documents and fake Aadhaar cards could enable unauthorized individuals to obtain PRCs, undermining state security and public welfare.

Political Reactions and Future Steps

The BJP accused the Congress‑led state government of timing the PRC notification to shield illegal migrants, labeling the move as politically motivated. The party pledged a “legal and public fight” against the issuance of PRCs. Both Mangaluru City South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath and North MLA Y. Bharath Shetty echoed the sentiment, urging the state to collaborate with the Centre to ensure the deportation of illegal Bangladeshi nationals, citing national‑security concerns.

Implications for Karnataka

If the BJP’s demands are not addressed, the district could face heightened communal tension, especially given the concentration of foreign labor in its construction sector. Moreover, the controversy surrounding the PRC may prompt stricter immigration controls and more rigorous verification processes in the future, highlighting the delicate balance between economic labor needs and security imperatives.