Migration, Identity, and Politics: A Comparative Study of Border Regions in India and Bangladesh

Migration in border regions is intricately related to issues of identity, citizenship, and political power; it is not only a demographic occurrence. This study looks at how migration, identity formation, and political processes interact in Bangladeshi and Indian border regions. It examines how migration patterns and identity politics are shaped by historical legacies, sociocultural ties, and governmental policies using a comparative method. The study focuses on how migration affects community ties, citizenship discussions, and electoral dynamics, particularly in Bangladesh's neighboring regions including West Bengal and Assam. It makes the case that migration is both a politically created problem and a socioeconomic need. In order to garner support, strengthen identity boundaries, and obtain an electoral edge, political players frequently strategically define migration. As a result, migration in these borders becomes a complicated phenomenon where political narratives and economic realities collide, making it a key topic in current regional politics.