Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Thursday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal will not press charges against Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in the state if they choose to return voluntarily. Speaking at a public event in Sonipur, Gandhinagar district, Shah reiterated the central government's commitment to detect, detain, and deport illegal immigrants from the country.
Voluntary Return and No Legal Action
Shah stated, 'Today, newspapers are reporting that illegal immigrants are voluntarily returning. The Bengal government has established detention centres. However, we all desire that those who entered illegally go back voluntarily. If they do so, the state government will not file any cases against them. Instead, it will assist them in returning.' He accused the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government of allowing unchecked infiltration into West Bengal.
He expressed hope that most illegal immigrants would leave before the campaign to identify infiltrators begins. 'Our government is resolved to remove every infiltrator from the country,' Shah asserted.
Border Fencing and Land Transfer
Shah recalled that the BJP had promised during its assembly election campaign in West Bengal to fence the India-Bangladesh border if voted to power. Congratulating West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Shah noted that the new state government had handed over 600 hectares of land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for border fencing within seven days of assuming office. Additionally, 121 hectares in the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, also known as the 'Chicken's Neck' in north Bengal, which links the Northeast with the rest of India, had been transferred to the Union government.
High-Powered Committee on Demographic Changes
Shah revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had constituted a high-powered committee to examine the reasons behind 'unnatural demographic changes.' The committee is expected to submit its report within a year. 'The committee will study the circumstances and suggest solutions, including whether there is a need for a legal framework to deal with illegal immigrants,' Shah explained.
Development Model and BJP's Reach
The Home Minister said that Modi had expanded Gujarat's development model across India over the past 12 years. He claimed that the BJP governs nearly 80% of the country's geographical area. 'From Gangasagar in Uttarakhand to Gangasagar in Bengal, the BJP holds sway across the Ganga belt,' he stated.
Tribute to Veer Savarkar
Shah also paid tribute to Veer Savarkar on his birth anniversary, calling him a patriot whose contribution to India's freedom struggle required no official recognition.
