"Migration of Bangladeshis into India is not a new phenomenon as our borders are porous. Moreover, it has been in our tradition to welcome all those who arrive in our country," Dikshit said.

She was responding to a question on the issue of Bangladeshi migrants in the capital and the steps being taken by her government with regard to them.

Asked about illegal Bangladeshi migrants allegedly being issued ration cards, Dikshit said: "Allotment of ration cards is generally being done as per procedure and guidelines, with minimum stay and income being among the criteria. And above all, nobody can be left without food."

To a question on complaints about inadequate representation of minorities in the Delhi elections, she said,

"It is nothing like that. This time too we gave tickets to three or four persons. Sometimes they win, sometimes they lose. We have one Minister and three MLAs from the minority community. We have never neglected them earlier or will do so in future."