Kolkata, India – Union Home Minister Amit Shah has launched a scathing critique of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing them of enabling unchecked infiltration from Bangladesh and fostering a culture of fear and corruption.
While addressing party workers and the media in Kolkata, Shah said the West Bengal government has refused to allocate land for the construction of border fencing along the India-Bangladesh border, hampering efforts to curb illegal entry into the country.
“Infiltration through Bengal’s borders is not just a local issue — it’s a matter of national security,” Shah said. “Only the BJP can guarantee a patriotic government that will protect the integrity of our borders.”
He alleged that unlike Tripura, Assam, Punjab, Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Gujarat — where infiltration has reportedly decreased — Bengal remains vulnerable due to the state government’s inaction. “The next election will be fought on these issues — of stopping infiltration and ensuring national security,” he declared.
Criticism of TMC and ‘Bhaipo’ Jab
Taking aim at the TMC’s internal leadership, Shah accused the party of engaging in dynastic corruption. In a veiled dig at Abhishek Banerjee, Mamata Banerjee’s nephew and a senior TMC MP, he said:
“In West Bengal today, only the ‘Bhaipo’ (nephew) is allowed to profit. What about the rest of the people? What about governance?”
He also accused the TMC of exceeding the political violence once associated with the Communist regime in the state. “They’ve outdone the Left when it comes to fear and violence,” Shah alleged.
Women’s Safety and Mughal-Era Mentality
Shah didn’t mince words when addressing the topic of women’s safety, criticizing statements from the ruling party suggesting women should not be out after 7 PM.
“Are we living in the Mughal era? It’s the state’s responsibility to provide safety, day or night,” he emphasized.
2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections
With the 2026 state assembly elections on the horizon, Shah expressed confidence that the BJP would form the government with a two-thirds majority, citing the party’s rising vote share and seat count over the years.
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2014: 17% vote share, 2 seats
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2021: 38% vote share, 77 seats
Shah contrasted BJP’s rise with the decline of Congress and Left, both of which failed to secure significant ground in recent elections.
Outreach to the Matua Community
In a direct appeal to the Matua community and other religiously persecuted minorities, Shah reaffirmed the BJP’s commitment to providing citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
“There’s no reason for persecuted refugees to fear. We will ensure they are accommodated legally,” Shah said.
