Illegal migration is a serious problem: LK Advani

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader LK Advani on Friday said illegal migration has become a serious
problem for India.

He was addressing the students on ‘national security’ on the concluding day of first Parliament of Indian Student Council leaders on Friday here at MIT School of Government.

“India should not buy Bangladesh’s claims that since they have no space in their country, Bangladeshis are migrating to India,’’ he said. Advani was replying to a query by a student, Ajinkya Dange, on how India should tackle the problem of illegal immigration.

Advani said, “Bangladesh was created by our efforts. But this doesn’t mean we will accept their stand on illegal migration. This illegal migration is affecting our national security.’’  

Advani defended the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) to strike down the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunal) Act, 1983. He also lauded the Supreme Court for its role in combating corruption in the country.

Commenting on the Naxal problem, the senior BJP leader said it is a domestic problem. “But each citizen of the country should believe in democracy rather than resorting to violence,’’ he said.

Advani predicted that the 21st century would belong to India.

“The 20th century belonged to Britain and the United States. But the 21st century belongs to India. The government is not run by God but by the people and that is why you are here. There is a huge potential in India and its dream of being a world leader will be fulfilled through youth/student Parliament,’’ he said.

He also spoke on how unprepared India was during the China war and how India politely denied US’s interference in Kashmir. “The political leaders who are in public life lack  theoretical knowledge but have ample practical knowledge. It is time for political leaders to study theory.

Bihar election results have shown that people want development and security,’’ he added.

Chairman of Bajaj Group Rahul Bajaj said nation building is neither easy nor can’t be taken for granted. “We want a free and open market regulated by government,’’ he said.

He was critical of the chalta hai attitude and corruption that has entered our lives.