Union Home Minister Amit Shah has launched a sharp political attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of deliberately encouraging illegal infiltration across the state's eastern borders for electoral benefits. In a significant declaration, Shah asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will form the government in West Bengal after the 2026 state assembly elections.
Serious Allegations of Border Negligence
Addressing a public gathering, Amit Shah presented a stark critique of the ruling Trinamool Congress's approach to border security. He claimed that the current state administration, under Mamata Banerjee's leadership, has been turning a blind eye to the issue of illegal immigration. According to Shah, this is not a failure of governance but a calculated political strategy.
The senior BJP leader alleged that infiltration is being abetted to alter the demographic composition of specific areas, thereby creating a vote bank loyal to the Trinamool Congress. This, he argued, compromises national security for short-term political gains. The eastern borders of India, particularly those with Bangladesh, have long been a focal point in political discourse concerning migration and security.
The BJP's 2026 Pledge: Security and Revitalization
Positioning the BJP as the solution, Amit Shah laid out the party's vision for West Bengal's future. He confidently predicted a change in power in the state following the next electoral battle in 2026. The promise hinges on two primary pillars: securing the borders and rejuvenating the state's development trajectory.
Shah vowed that a BJP government would put a complete stop to infiltration from the eastern borders, implementing stricter surveillance and control mechanisms. The second part of his pledge focused on the "revitalisation of the state," implying a comprehensive plan for economic growth, job creation, and improved governance that he suggests has been lacking under the present regime.
Political Repercussions and Ongoing Rivalry
These remarks, made on 30 December 2025, significantly escalate the ongoing war of words between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress. The accusation strikes at the core of a highly sensitive and polarizing issue in Bengal's politics. For years, the BJP has centered its campaign in the state on themes of national security, cultural identity, and alleged misrule by Mamata Banerjee.
The Chief Minister and her party are yet to issue a formal response to these specific allegations. However, historically, the TMC has dismissed such claims from the BJP as baseless and divisive, countering that they are attempts to disturb communal harmony in the state. This exchange sets the stage for an intensely contested political landscape in the run-up to the 2026 polls.
The battle for West Bengal is crucial for both national parties. While the BJP seeks to expand its footprint in the east after a strong performance in previous elections, the Trinamool Congress is fighting to retain its bastion. Amit Shah's direct charge and clear timeline for a BJP victory ensure that infiltration and border security will remain dominant themes in the state's political narrative for the foreseeable future.
