These days, the politics of appeasement are being widely discussed in Indian public life. Ever since the Election Commission initiated its special voter list revision campaign, political rhetoric surrounding appeasement and irregular migration has intensified. During the elections in West Bengal as well, allegations of political accommodation of undocumented populations remained at the centre of political discourse. Along India's border with Bangladesh, during the Election Commission’s special revision drive and after the election results, the entire country witnessed images of individuals returning to their homeland, reigniting debate over migration, citizenship, and political patronage.

This debate is not unique to India. Several European countries and the United States are also grappling with questions relating to migration, national identity, and policies that many critics describe as appeasement. Earlier this month, a British youth of Indian origin was sentenced to life imprisonment in the United Kingdom for the murder of a British citizen. A few days before the sentencing, a video of the incident surfaced, triggering widespread anger and sparking fresh discussions about migration policies and the responsibilities of the state.

What happened was that when the British youth was attacked and the police arrived at the scene, instead of taking the injured 18-year-old Henry to the hospital, they handcuffed him. Despite his cries of pain and his critical condition, the police showed no compassion. He, subsequently, died. After videos of the incident emerged, a major movement questioning migration policies and perceived political appeasement gained momentum throughout Britain. A debate has also begun regarding rights, responsibilities, and the role of public institutions. Discussions are taking place not only on appeasement but also........

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