BJP workers in Bengaluru’s Mahadevapura constituency have launched a drive to identify undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants, claiming over 25,000 such individuals reside in the area and are taking away employment opportunities from locals.
The initiative, led by the Mahadevapura Task Force—a volunteer group headed by former minister Aravind Limbavali—is being supported by BJP MLA Manjula Limbavali. The campaign began last Sunday and aims to track suspected illegal immigrants and report them to authorities.
In a video appeal, Aravind urged residents to assist by reporting suspicious individuals. “Our war room is already receiving multiple leads. If you suspect someone, inform us,” he said, adding that the government would act to deport illegal immigrants back to Bangladesh.
Congress leader H. Lokesh, who contested and lost in the 2023 elections, criticized the drive, calling it politically motivated and panic-inducing. “BJP workers helped create fake voter IDs during the elections. Now, they’re targeting the same vote bank to deflect from civic failures,” he alleged.
BJP teams claim most undocumented workers reside in Munnekollala, Kodthi, Balagere, Thubarahalli, Kadugodi, and Pattandur Agrahara. Many are reportedly employed in housekeeping, delivery services, and waste collection.
During surprise checks conducted over the past fortnight, task force members say they found immigrants holding forged Aadhaar cards and documents. Team member Manohar Reddy said several individuals admitted to entering India with the help of agents. Calls made using +880 country codes—a Bangladeshi prefix—were cited as a key identifier. The drive has sparked both support and concern among residents.