Mumbai’s political corridors heated up on Saturday as the Maharashtra Legislative Council turned into a battleground over the rising menace of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants. The debate, sparked by concerns in Mumbai and surrounding regions, saw sharp exchanges between ruling party members and opposition leaders, highlighting deep divisions on national security and governance.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab kicked off the fireworks, boldly claiming he could identify 2,000 infiltrators within just two days. Referencing recent revelations by Mumbai Mayor Rita Tawade about fake birth certificates, Parab slammed the government’s lax approach. ‘This isn’t politics; it’s a national security crisis,’ he thundered. He painted a grim picture of infiltrators embedded in Mumbai’s slums, running small businesses unchecked, and questioned why police and civic bodies seemed oblivious.
In a cheeky jab at BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, Parab quipped, ‘Somaiya has no work right now—send him with me, and we’ll round up 2,000 infiltrators in two days.’ Dismissing mere document checks, he demanded a special task force for on-ground probes in vulnerable areas.
Home Minister Yogesh Kadam fired back, urging Parab to share concrete intelligence with authorities rather than grandstanding. Kadam countered with data: During the MVA government’s 2021 tenure, only 109 Bangladeshis were deported, compared to 2,376 infiltrators expelled by early 2025 under the current regime. He detailed robust measures, including dedicated five-member teams at every police station and ATS-led raids targeting illegal settlers.
On the task force demand, Kadam assured consideration if evidence warranted it. The heated session underscores Maharashtra’s ongoing struggle with infiltration, blending local grievances with broader security imperatives. As urban centers like Mumbai grapple with demographic shifts, such debates signal escalating political stakes ahead of future polls.