Priyanka Tiwari
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, accused the West Bengal government of obstructing the fencing of approximately 450 km of the border with Bangladesh. He attributed the delay to the alleged "appeasement politics" of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) aimed at facilitating illegal infiltration.
Shah claimed that despite multiple communications, including 10 letters from him and seven meetings between the Union Home Secretary and the Bengal Chief Secretary, the state government has stalled land acquisition for fencing.
Border Security Concerns Raised in Parliament
The India-Bangladesh border spans over 2,200 kilometers and remains a critical concern for national security. Shah stated that efforts to fence parts of the border are consistently disrupted by TMC workers during on-ground operations, often involving hooliganism and religious sloganeering.
He further alleged that many infiltrators caught had obtained Aadhaar and voter cards, particularly from areas like 24-Parganas in West Bengal. Shah suggested that the Bengal government was indirectly aiding their entry into India by providing legal identification documents.
Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, Passed in Lok Sabha
Shah emphasized the need for the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, saying it is essential for the country’s security. He argued that knowing who enters India, for how long, and for what purpose is a matter of national interest. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha following his address.
He drew comparisons with Assam, where the BJP is in power and has reportedly curbed infiltration. Shah predicted that BJP would also gain power in Bengal in the 2026 Assembly elections, ending the issue of illegal entries.
Trinamool Congress Responds
Trinamool MP Saugata Roy rejected Shah’s accusations as baseless. He argued that the central government has been slow to act on border fencing and that the state should not be blamed for the delay.
“All the allegations of Union Home Minister Amit Shah are false,” Roy said. He added, “BJP will not come into power in West Bengal in 100 years.”
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