Union Home Minister Amit Shah has strongly criticised the West Bengal government over the issue of illegal infiltration along the state’s borders. Speaking at a public gathering on Tuesday, Shah accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of blocking border fencing work, which he said is essential for national security.
Shah’s remarks come ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for 2026, signalling a sharp political attack by the BJP in the state. He said that infiltration through Bengal’s borders is not just a state-level problem but a serious national security concern, especially at a time when unrest has been reported in neighbouring Bangladesh.
The Home Minister alleged that the TMC government has not been cooperating with the Centre in completing border fencing along the India-Bangladesh border. He said fencing is necessary to protect the country’s security as well as its cultural identity. According to Shah, the Border Security Force (BSF) cannot perform its duties properly unless fencing is completed.
Shah claimed that he had written seven letters to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee requesting land for border fencing, but received no positive response. Questioning her opposition, he asked why she was unwilling to allow fencing and what she was “afraid” of.
Taking a stronger political tone, Shah criticised the TMC’s 14-year rule in West Bengal. He alleged that the state’s demographic balance was entering a “dangerous phase” and claimed that fake identity documents were being created to support illegal infiltration. He said these issues posed a serious risk to national security.
The Home Minister asserted that only a BJP government could effectively seal Bengal’s borders. He said the TMC was incapable of handling infiltration and security challenges, adding that the BJP was the only party that could protect the state and the country.
During his speech, Shah also addressed concerns of the Motua community, a key voter group in Bengal. He assured them that they would not be displaced and said Mamata Banerjee could not force them out. Shah promised that all welfare schemes would continue if the BJP came to power in the state.
“Not a single welfare scheme will be stopped once we form the government,” he said, presenting the BJP as a party focused on both strong security and public welfare.
With these statements, Amit Shah made it clear that border security and infiltration will be major issues in the BJP’s campaign for the 2026 Bengal elections.
