The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Maharashtra, India, is developing an artificial intelligence system aimed at identifying and detaining individuals labeled as “illegal” Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, this technology analyzes linguistic patterns and speech to flag suspected undocumented migrants. Critics argue the initiative disproportionately targets Muslim communities, aligning with BJP’s political narrative that marginalizes Bengali-speaking Muslims.
The AI system reportedly has an accuracy of just 60%, raising concerns about wrongful detentions, especially among Indian citizens who share linguistic traits with Bangladeshis. There are also worries about the lack of clarity regarding data collection methods and oversight mechanisms. Despite these concerns, BJP leaders are pushing forward with operational plans, including establishing detention centers for suspected migrants. Rights advocates warn that this approach could institutionalize collective punishment and further the BJP’s ideological agenda, turning technology into a tool of exclusion rather than governance improvement.
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