Mumbai’s electoral politics are significantly affected by the influx of illegal migrants from Bangladesh, Myanmar (Rohingyas) and Pakistan, according to Shouvik Mondal, assistant professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).

Mondal made the remarks on Monday while presenting an interim report titled ‘Illegal Migration to Mumbai: Analysis of Social, Economic and Political Consequences’ at a national seminar organized by the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi .

Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, was the chief guest at the event, along with JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit. Discussions at the seminar highlighted the growing social and political consequences of illegal migration in Mumbai.

Mondal, who co-led the study with TISS vice-chancellor Shankar Das, said the report’s findings were based on qualitative data collected from 3,000 respondents. He pointed out that since 1965, there has been a significant increase in the number of illegal migrants in Mumbai, particularly among Muslims from Bangladesh and Myanmar.

The report highlights that 12 Assembly constituencies in Mumbai now have a majority migrant population, which has influenced electoral trends and given rise to what it calls “safe haven politics”.

In support of the report’s findings, Mondal cited census data which shows that Mumbai’s Hindu population declined from 88 percent in 1965 to 66 percent in 2011, while the Muslim population increased by 8 percent. to 21 percent during the same period.

The study predicts that by 2051, Mumbai’s Muslim population could reach 30 percent, while the Hindu population could drop to 50 percent. “Illegal cross-border migration is reshaping Mumbai’s social and political landscape by putting pressure on local resources and changing electoral dynamics,” Mondal said.

Shankar Das, pro-vice-chancellor of TISS, highlighted the profound effects of illegal immigration on the economy, security and culture. He criticized NGOs and religious organizations for “helping” these immigrants, highlighting their role in making the problem worse.

Sanjeev Sanyal highlighted that the issue of illegal migration is not limited to India but is a global challenge, drawing parallels with policy debates in the United States and Europe, where immigration affects demographic changes and migration. national future.

JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree Pandit encouraged students to read BR Ambedkar’s ‘Pakistan or the Partition of India’ to get an insight into the dangers of uncontrolled migration. She advocated for a structured migration policy to ensure communal harmony, citing Ambedkar’s recommendation to relocate minorities to ease long-term religious and ethnic tensions.

(With inputs from PTI)