‘BJP Govt In Bengal To Stop Bangladeshi Infiltration, Hindu Exodus’: Shah In Kolkata Throws Challenge At Mamata

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday asserted that only a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal can effectively stop Bangladeshi infiltration and prevent the exodus of Hindus, as he launched a direct attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during an organisational meeting of BJP workers at Kolkata’s Netaji Indoor Stadium.

Addressing the gathering, Shah alleged that under Mamata’s rule, Bengal has become “a hub of infiltration, corruption, atrocities on women, crime, bomb blasts, and oppression of Hindus.” He claimed the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government had allowed cross-border infiltration with political motives. “The elections of West Bengal will not only decide the state’s future but are also tied to national security. Mamata Banerjee has opened the borders for Bangladeshis. Infiltration is happening with her blessings. Only a BJP government can stop this,” he said.

He said, “We have to form the BJP government in West Bengal, stop infiltration, end corruption, and prevent the exodus of Hindus.”

The Union Minister also accused the state government of blocking efforts to secure the border. “We asked her for land to build the fence. She is not giving it so that infiltration continues and her vote bank increases, ensuring her nephew becomes the next Chief Minister. But this will not happen,” he said, as reported by ANI.

He also alleged that the Mamata Banerjee-led government failed to act on recent communal tensions in Murshidabad. “Our Home Ministry repeatedly urged that BSF be called in, but she didn’t allow it. Had BSF been deployed, Hindus would have been protected. BJP workers had to go to the High Court, and only then was BSF deployed to protect Hindus.”

'If You Have Courage, Try Contesting Elections Without Violence': Amit Shah's Challenge To Mamata Banerjee

Taking aim at post-election violence in the state, Shah accused the TMC of shielding culprits. “Violence during elections has ended across the country, but in Bengal, it continues even after elections. During and after the elections, hundreds of BJP workers were murdered. Didi, for how long will you shield the perpetrators of violence? Your time is up. In 2026, BJP will form the government in West Bengal.”

In a direct challenge to Mamata Banerjee, he added, “Violence has no place in a democracy. Didi, if you have the courage, try contesting elections without violence—your deposit will be forfeited.”

Shah also criticised Mamata for allegedly opposing Operation Sindoor, which was launched to retaliate against Pakistan-backed terrorists after the recent Pahalgam attack. “Didi is hurt by the death of terrorists. She opposed Operation Sindoor through a disgraceful political statement. By doing this, she has not only opposed the operation but also played with the emotions of crores of mothers and sisters in this country,” Shah said.

He added, “Mamata Banerjee may favour the Pakistani terrorists as much as she wants, but I want to tell her that this is PM Modi’s government and Operation Sindoor is not yet over. Anyone who dares anything will be given a proper answer.”

He urged women in the state to give a strong response in the upcoming elections. “I appeal to the mothers and sisters of Bengal to make those who opposed Operation Sindoor understand the value of sindoor (vermilion) in the upcoming elections.”

Regarding West Bengal government's stance against Waqf Act, Shah remarked, "Is something wrong with the Waqf Act? Should the land of Bengal be sacrificed because of Waqf? Who is Mamata Banerjee favouring by opposing the Waqf Act?... Mamata Banerjee may oppose the Waqf till 2026 because after that she will not be the CM anymore.”

The former BJP national president promised action against those responsible for political killings in the state. “Once the TMC is removed from power, those responsible for the murders of our party workers will be punished—even if they are hiding underground.”

Criticising the alleged sale of jobs and financial corruption, Shah said, “In Kolkata’s markets, jobs for youths are being sold. So much money is seized from their (TMC’s) homes that counting machines get exhausted. This must end.”

He also took a swipe at Mamata’s failure to secure classical language status for Bengali. “For decades, the people of West Bengal had been demanding Bengali be recognised as a Classical Language. Although Mamata ji supported the central government, she failed to achieve it. Under Modi ji’s leadership, this long-standing demand has finally been fulfilled.”

Shah is making his first trip to West Bengal since India's reaction to the Pahalgam terror incident on April 22, titled "Operation Sindoor."  Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's quick tour of North Bengal ended barely two days prior to his visit. Ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, Shah is anticipated to guide the BJP's West Bengal strategy.