Amit Shah Promises to Seal Bengal Borders and Curb Illegal Immigration if BJP Wins State

Kolkata: Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in West Bengal amid the ongoing controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list by the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC). Speaking to the media, Shah directly targeted the TMC government while also criticizing the Congress.

Bengal Needs a Change, Shah Claims
Shah asserted that over the past 15 years, West Bengal has been plagued by fear, corruption, misgovernance, and illegal immigration. He expressed confidence that the BJP will form the next state government in 2026 with a two-thirds majority. Promising a focus on welfare programs for the poor, Shah emphasized that the BJP government would strengthen border security to prevent illegal immigration, creating a robust “national grid” to stop infiltration.

National Grid for Border Security
Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Shah said, “The people of Bengal are concerned about illegal immigration. We will not only identify the infiltrators but also expel them from the state. Our national grid will ensure that not even a bird can cross undetected. Securing the eastern borders will be a top priority.”

Allegations Against TMC
Shah accused the Mamata Banerjee government of promoting corruption, which has stalled development. “All welfare schemes launched by PM Modi have fallen prey to toll syndicates. Fear and corruption have defined West Bengal for the past 14 years,” he said. Shah promised that BJP will revive Bengal’s cultural heritage and prioritize programs for the poor, declaring, “Once BJP comes to power, a river of development will flow in the state.”

BJP’s Growing Strength in Bengal
Citing BJP’s electoral growth, Shah said the party has steadily increased its presence in West Bengal over the past decade:

• 2014: 17% vote share, 2 Lok Sabha seats
• 2016: 3 assembly seats
• 2019: 41% vote share, 18 Lok Sabha seats
• 2021: 77 assembly seats
• 2024: 39% vote share, 12 Lok Sabha seats

He predicted that the BJP will form the government in 2026, leaving TMC as the only viable opposition. He also noted that Congress seats have diminished while the Left Front has failed to win a single seat.

Focus on Illegal Immigration and Security
Shah criticized the TMC for allowing illegal immigration to flourish, claiming that local officials fail to act, unlike in Tripura, Assam, Kashmir, and Gujarat. “This is not merely a state issue, it is a matter of national security. The Bengal border must be sealed to protect the country,” he stressed.

Corruption and Women’s Safety Concerns
Beyond immigration, Shah highlighted rampant corruption and irregularities under the TMC. He alleged that TMC leaders and ministers involved in scams have amassed crores of rupees, citing incidents totaling ₹2,700 crore. He also raised concerns about women’s safety in the state, citing recent high-profile crimes against women.

Shah’s visit underscores BJP’s focus on law and order, border security, anti-corruption measures, and welfare initiatives as key election issues for the 2026 West Bengal assembly polls.