Amit Shah Criticises Mamata Banerjee Ahead of Bengal Elections

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has sharply criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her government of failing to facilitate land allocation for border fencing along the state's eastern boundary with Bangladesh. This, he argues, has allowed for unchecked infiltration across the border.

In response, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed Shah's allegations, asserting that the people of West Bengal would not permit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to gain power in the state. Shah, however, remained firm in his accusations, declaring that the BJP is committed to halting infiltration as the state prepares for the 2026 assembly elections.

"Infiltration occurring through Bengal borders is not a matter confined to the state; it is a national security concern. We must protect the integrity of our country’s culture. Only a patriotic government can secure our borders, and the current administration under Mamata Banerjee is incapable of doing so," Shah stated during a public address.

He further claimed that West Bengal's government was obstructing the establishment of border fencing, questioning why infiltration has ceased in states like Tripura, Assam, and Gujarat. Shah suggested that the Mamata Banerjee administration was complicit in enabling demographic changes that could bolster her political support.

The Home Minister also expressed grave concerns regarding women's safety in West Bengal, criticising the ruling party's stance that women should refrain from going out after dark. He questioned, "Are we living in the Mughal era? It is the government's duty to provide security at all times."

Targeting TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, Shah remarked, "Only 'Bhaipo' has the right to earn in this state, and no one else," referring to the Nepali word for nephew and implying nepotism within the TMC.

Shah expressed confidence in the BJP's potential for success in the upcoming elections, predicting that the party would secure a two-thirds majority in 2026. He highlighted the BJP's electoral progress in West Bengal, noting that the party's vote share rose from 17% in the 2014 elections to 38% in 2021, resulting in a significant increase in their number of seats from two to seventy-seven.

He urged voters to consider the past performances of Congress, the Left, and TMC, suggesting it was time to give the BJP a chance to govern. Shah reassured the Matua community, stating that they had "no reason to fear" and that the BJP would support all religiously persecuted refugees seeking shelter in India.