BJP Defends Eviction Drives to Protect Indigenous Rights in Assam

The Assam BJP has backed ongoing eviction drives, claiming they protect indigenous rights from illegal encroachment, mostly by people of East Bengal origin. BJP spokesperson Pankaj Borbora blamed past Congress governments for settling encroachers for vote-bank politics. Over 3,500 bighas were cleared in Dhubri, with another drive planned in Goalpara. The BJP accused Congress and Akhil Gogoi of opposing evictions to appease Muslim voters.