Illegal Migration's Impact on Mumbai's Electoral Politics

An interim report presented by Shouvik Mondal from TISS discusses the impacts of illegal migration from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Pakistan on Mumbai's electoral politics. With demographic shifts noted since 1965, the report highlights significant socio-political changes and stresses the need for a structured migration policy.

An interim report on illegal migration and its socio-political impacts on Mumbai was presented by Shouvik Mondal, assistant professor at TISS, at a seminar hosted by JNU. The study reveals a significant influx of illegal migrants since 1965, predominantly Muslims from Bangladesh and Myanmar, affecting assembly constituencies and voting patterns.

Highlighting findings from data gathered from 3,000 respondents, Mondal noted a demographic shift, with a decline in Mumbai's Hindu population in contrast to an increase in the Muslim populace. By 2051, projections suggest further demographic changes, impacting Mumbai's electoral dynamics, coined as 'shelter politics'.

Pro-Vice Chancellor Shankar Das emphasized the economic, security, and cultural challenges posed by illegal migration, while Sanjeev Sanyal compared the issue to global migration debates. JNU VC Santishree Pandit underscored the importance of structured migration policies to maintain communal harmony, drawing from Ambedkar's insights.

(With inputs from agencies.)