Mumbai: The number of illegal immigrants, mostly Muslims, from Bangladesh and Myanmar are on the rise in Mumbai and certain political parties are using them for vote-bank politics, a TISS interim report has alleged. The study by TISS’ pro-vice-chancellor Shankar Das and assistant professor Souvik Mondal also alleged that the illegal immigrants are influencing the socio-economy of the city by taking low-skilled jobs, which leads to wage suppression and resentment among locals. 

“Some political entities are alleged to use illegal immigrants for vote-bank politics, which can disrupt the democratic process. Claims of voter registration manipulation, where undocumented immigrants allegedly obtain fake voter IDs, raise concerns about electoral fairness and the integrity of India’s democratic system,” the study alleged. 

“Some politicians may support granting IDs or ration cards to migrants for votes,” it further alleged, adding, “Politics-driven migration increases polarisation and can impact electoral outcomes, diverting focus from essential development.” 

The study further alleged that “a high influx of Muslim immigrants has altered religious demographics, creating insecurity and communal tensions, especially among local Hindu communities” of Mumbai. It also accused the illegal immigrants of rising crime in the city. “Illegal immigrants are often associated with rising crime and security risks, intensifying public fears and leading to increased exclusion and targeting of migrant communities,” the study said. 

The study blamed informal NGOs and religious groups for assisting illegal migrants. “Informal NGOs and religious community groups, often operating in legal gray areas, provide critical services like healthcare, education, and banking to illegal migrants”, the study quoted “one of key informants” as saying. 

“Due to strict regulations, registered NGOs often avoid assisting illegal immigrants, leaving undocumented NGOs to fill the support gap without legal authority to challenge exploitation or advocate for migrant rights,” the study further said. 

It advocated for “effective policies” to address both humanitarian needs and security concerns to promote an inclusive and cohesive urban environment in Mumbai. 

The team of researchers studied around 3,000 immigrants, but the interim report was presented only with a sample size of 300. Some experts and faculty members of TISS questioned the timing of the report just before the Assembly elections in the state. 

“The timing of the report and the fact that a small sample size of 300 was chosen out of 3,000 respondents raises eyebrows. This indicates that the TISS is aligning with a particular political party to aid them during the elections,” a TISS professor told the Free Press Journal on condition of anonymity. 

A massive row erupted after the BJP accused the Congress party of distributing blank copies of the Constitution at an event of Rahul Gandhi in Maharashtra’s Nagpur on Wednesday.

The Maharashtra BJP from its X handle posted a video of the book with black pages inside.

The saffron party, in the post, attacked the Congress and wrote, “The Congress party wants to erase the Constitution of India. All laws written by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar are to be deleted. That is why Rahul Gandhi had predicted that reservation would be cancelled,” the Maharashtra BJP tweeted…Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and his constitution is not an election issue but the foundation of the life of India and its citizens. People will teach a lesson to the anti-constitutional Congress.”

Devendra Fadnavis slams Rahul Gandhi

Slamming Rahul, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a statement to the media said, “Rahul Gandhi’s disloyalty for the Constitution of India was seen yesterday. The accusation I made turned out to be true. He doesn’t want to glorify the Constitution with the Red Book but he did this drama to warn and seek help from the urban naxals and anarchists who are with him. He is insulting the Constitution every day.  Congress insulted Dr B R Ambedkar, insulted the Constitution. Now no one will forget their tricks.”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of saving the Consitution in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. The Opposition parties believe that it was the most fundamental issue for its performance in the elections which stopped the NDA way below the majority. 

Hitting back the Maharashtra Congress in a post on X said, “The NDA government of Maharashtra is known as ‘Khokhe Government’ all over the world. These are the people who bought the kiosks two and a half years ago and now they are leaving after deceiving the public. Earlier Narendra Modi used to come here and talk about the irrigation scam, then he started committing scams along with them. This government has committed so many scams in two and a half years that even the Guinness Book of Records would feel ashamed. This shows that the Mahayuti people had formed the government only for looting and the people of Maharashtra have had to bear the loss.”

Reacting to the charge, Congress chief spokesman Atul Londhe accused the BJP of spreading fake narrative. He asked why BJP is disturbed, if Rahul Gandhi carries a copy of the Constitution, reiterating the party’s resolve to save it.

Addressing the gathering yesterday, the Congress MP had said, ”What was being spoken by Bhagwan Buddha, Gandhiji, Ambedkarji, Ashok, Phule are all in the Constitution. This book is not just a modern version but the thoughts behind it are 1000 years old… This book (shows) is a way to live and a way to die.” He also blamed BJP and RSS for eroding values enshrined in the Constitution.

After Salman Khan, Bollywood superstar and his close friend Shah Rukh Khan has received death threat and a ransom was demanded by the caller. According to the initial information, a case has been registered in Mumbai against the caller.

According a police officer, a threat call was received on the Bandra police station’s landline on November 5, with the caller issuing a death threat to Shah Rukh and demanding Rs 50 lakh.

According to the FIR, on November 5 at 1:21 pm, a call was received from mobile number 9082775393 on the Bandra police station’s landline (022-26513716). Constable Santosh Ghodake, 32, answered the call. The caller said, “Shah Rukh Khan is from Mannat, Bandstand. If he doesn’t pay Rs. 50 lakh, I will kill him.”

When the constable asked for the caller’s identity and location, the accused responded, “This is not the matter. If you want to write my name, write it as Hindustani,” and then hung up. Constable Ghodake immediately informed his superiors, prompting the Bandra Police to initiate an investigation.

Sources reveal that the caller has been identified as Faizan, believed to be a resident of Raipur. The police traced the call to Raipur, leading them to dispatch a team for further inquiry.

This is not the first time Shah Rukh Khan has received death threats. After the success of his films Pathan and Jawaan in 2023, he faced similar threats, resulting in increased security measures.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 9) Dixit Gedam stated, “Bandra police station received a call threatening actor Shah Rukh Khan and demanding Rs.50 lakh. An offence has been registered at Bandra police station. No arrests have been made yet, and the investigation is ongoing.”

The Mumbai Police registered a case under Sections 308(4) (extortion) and 351(3)(4) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act on November 5.

Death threats to Salman Khan

Salman has received three death threats in a span of 10 days, after his friend and politician Baba Siddique’s death. However, the actor is busy fulfilling his work commitments. He is currently shooting in Hyderabad with Rashmika Mandanna for their upcoming film Sikandar.

Shah Rukh and Salman Khan, two of Bollywood’s biggest superstars, share a close bond and friendship. Their friendship dates back to the early days of their careers in the Hindi film industry in the 1990s. They have appeared together in films like Karan Arjun, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam and more. Ever since, their friendship has been strong, and they are often seen together at various parties and film events.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Shah Rukh, who recently turned 59, will next be seen in King with his actress-daughter Suhana Khan. He was last seen in Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki, which hit the big screens in December 2023.