Amit Shah Blames Trinamool Corruption for Nazirabad Fire Tragedy
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has made serious allegations against the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal, stating that the devastating Nazirabad fire was not an accident but a direct consequence of corruption within the ruling party. Speaking at a workers' meeting in Barrackpore on Saturday, Shah asserted that the tragedy, which claimed at least 27 lives, resulted from systemic failures and illicit practices.
Demand for Supreme Court-Supervised Investigation
During his address in Siliguri, Shah declared that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power in Bengal following the upcoming elections, they will initiate a thorough investigation into each corruption case under the supervision of the Supreme Court. He emphasized the need for accountability and justice for the victims of the fire incident.
Allegations of Environmental Violations and Political Links
The Home Minister claimed that individuals associated with the Trinamool Congress were involved in the incident, highlighting that the factories in question lacked proper environmental clearances and were constructed on wetlands. "Had anyone closed the factory gate when people were shouting inside? After a BJP government is formed here in April, we will find out the culprits and put them behind bars," Shah stated firmly.
He further questioned the political connections of the momo chain whose warehouse was among the two structures gutted in the fire. "Why did this happen? Who had invested in the momo factory? I demand a proper investigation," Shah added, insinuating possible financial ties between the business and Trinamool leaders.
Criticism of Mamata Banerjee's Leadership
Shah did not hold back in his criticism of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of playing vote-bank politics and showing preferential treatment. "She should be ashamed of playing vote-bank politics. When our party workers tried to protest, cops beat them up," he alleged, suggesting that the administration's response would have been different if the victims were infiltrators.
Raking up the issue of dynasty politics, Shah remarked, "Mamata didi needs a cataract operation because she can't see properly. She is blinded by her affection for her nephew." He challenged Banerjee to field 23 Trinamool leaders facing corruption charges as candidates in the elections, claiming she fears they might turn witnesses against her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee.
BJP's Electoral Confidence and Border Security Concerns
Expressing confidence in the BJP's prospects, Shah predicted that the party would secure 50% of the votes in the 2026 polls, citing past performance trends. "In 2019 we had 41% votes, in 2021 we had 38% and in 2024 we got 39% votes. It is time to go past 45%," he told party workers, framing the upcoming election as a tribute to Syama Prasad Mukherjee.
On the issue of infiltration and border security, Shah claimed that the Bengal government has not provided land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for fencing along the India-Bangladesh border. He referenced a Calcutta High Court deadline of March 31, 2026, for land handover and assured that a BJP-led government would complete the work within 45 days of taking office.
Addressing Community Concerns and Accusations of Divisive Politics
Shah also sought to allay fears within the Matua community regarding disenfranchisement during the SIR process, asserting that Matuas and Namashudras are being intimidated but should not be afraid. "They should not be afraid. Mamata Banerjee cannot even touch their votes," he stated.
Furthermore, he accused the Trinamool Congress of engaging in divisive politics by pitting various communities against each other, such as Bengalis against Gorkhas and Rajbanshis, and Kudmis against adivasis, thereby undermining Bengal's unity.
The Home Minister's remarks underscore the escalating political tensions in West Bengal as the state gears up for crucial elections, with corruption and governance taking center stage in the BJP's campaign narrative.
