Amit Shah's Kolkata Arrival Aligns with BJP's Documentary Release on Infiltration Issues
Union Home Minister Amit Shah's arrival in Kolkata on Friday night coincided with a significant political move by the Bengal BJP, which released a documentary focusing on "infiltration" and "demographic change" in West Bengal. Shah is scheduled to address two consecutive rallies on Saturday, one in Barrackpore and another in Siliguri, where these themes are expected to feature prominently.
Documentary Highlights National Security Threats
The documentary, titled 'The Silent Invasion', underscores what the BJP describes as a surge in national security threats from infiltration, labeling it a "ticking time bomb." It details a "deep-rooted conspiracy to re-engineer demography" in the state, a narrative that Shah had emphasized during his visit last month. A Bengal BJP leader indicated that Shah is likely to address this planned effort for demographic re-engineering in his upcoming speeches.
Shah's Schedule and Political Engagements
Shah reached Kolkata around 9:30 PM and proceeded to a hotel in New Town, where he held a meeting with Bengal BJP functionaries. His itinerary for Saturday includes:
- Addressing a workers' rally at Anandapuri Khelar Math in Barrackpore in the morning.
- Traveling to Bagdogra and attending an organizational meeting at Gosainpara in the afternoon.
Evolution of the Demographic Narrative
The focus on "changing demography in Bengal" began last September when the BJP leadership instructed state leaders to prepare for the "Demography Mission." As the central government attempts to counter what it calls a "premeditated conspiracy" to alter demography in border areas, state BJP leaders have consistently highlighted this issue. The tone was initially set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah during their campaign rallies in Bengal, with BJP's newly elected national president Nitin Nabin further refining the narrative during his recent visit to the state.
Documentary Content and Political Accusations
Bengal BJP launched the first part of the documentary, which includes accounts of arrests of illegal operatives linked to groups such as al Qaida and JMB across India, including Operation Praghat in Assam. Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya accused the Trinamool Congress of "trying to change the character of the country by bringing changes in demography," asserting that West Bengal is being used as a passage for this purpose.
This development marks a continued emphasis on security and demographic issues by the BJP in West Bengal, aligning with Shah's political engagements and the party's broader strategic focus in the region.
