On Monday,a pro-RSS journal said the issue of illegal immigration cannot be made in the right direction unless there is agreement between the Centre and the state. (File Photo)
Illegal immigration is a "tricky and sensitive" issue and the new BJP government in Assam cannot turn a blind eye to it, a pro-RSS journal said on Monday, insisting utilisation of resources for the right beneficiaries without getting tempted to vote-bank politics will be another test for it.
Terming the BJP-led alliance's win in the state as a victory of nationalist forces against vote-bank politics, the editorial in 'Organiser' warned that changing the narrative on the ground is not an easy task and ensuring an accountable and transparent regime is the biggest systemic challenge for the new government there.
"The challenge of changing the narrative on the ground is not an easy task. Ensuring accountable and transparent government in Assam itself is the biggest systemic challenge. Then utilisation of resources for the right beneficiaries without getting tempted to the vote-bank politics is another test for the new government. Illegal migration is tricky and sensitive issue and new government cannot turn a blind eye towards it," the editorial titled 'Beyond electoral rhetoric' said.
The pro-RSS journal also sought establishing the identity of 'Ashta Lakshmi' (goddesses signifying prosperity) for the seven northeastern states as propagated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, instead of the colonial 'Seven Sisters' narrative given by the British that created psychological distance along with a physical one.
"The colonial narrative of calling it 'seven sisters with racially different composition' created psychological distance along with the physical one... The more new ruling party of Assam strengthens this process the more there is possibility of bringing these states out of the 'Seven Sisters' Syndrome and conferring due status to the 'Ashta Lakshmi'," it said.
The publication also said the issue of illegal immigration and strong ties with Southeast Asian neighbours have international dimensions and diplomatic efforts cannot be made in the right direction unless there is agreement between the Centre and the state on this strategically important issue.
"The crusader against illegal migration was projected as the Chief Ministerial candidate and still people of Assam overwhelmingly supported him is the victory of nationalist forces against the vote-bank politics in Assam. It is also a ratification of policy to treat North-East as Bharat's corridor to the Southeast Asia," it said.
The journal said the leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal, who has a track record of fighting for people's issues on the ground, is the "last hope" for the people of Assam.
"People have ratified his leadership for fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the people and utilising allocated resource to the optimum level," it said.