Kolkata: The BJP and its leaders have, for long, been vocal on the issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh to India, specifically West Bengal.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah again raised the issue on Sunday, saying that cross-border infiltration disrupts peace in the country, and that peace in West Bengal can only be achieved when illegal migration is stopped.
Shah, speaking at the inauguration of a new passenger terminal at Petrapole land port along the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal, said that illegal immigration from Bangladesh will be curbed if BJP comes to power in West Bengal in 2026.
“When there is no legal way of cross-border movement, illegal migration takes place. Illegal migration harms Indo-Bangladesh peace. I want to say to the people of Bengal, make a change (in state government) in 2026 and we will stop the infiltration. There can be peace in Bengal only if this infiltration stops,” the Home Minister said.
The terminal building at Petrapole land port, constructed at a cost of Rs 500 crore, spans 60,000 square metres and can handle 25,000 passengers daily.
Shah highlighted the importance of land ports in establishing peace in the region.
“Land ports play an important role in improving connectivity and relations between the two countries. They also enhance bilateral trade relations,” Shah stated.
Slamming the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government over alleged corruption, Shah appealed to the people to vote for BJP and bring in a political change in the state in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
“Funds sent by PM Modi for the development of Bengal get usurped due to corruption,” Shah claimed.
“During NDA’s tenure under Narendra Modi, Rs 56,000 crore have been given (to Bengal) in the last 10 years. But I ask you today, does this Rs 56,000 crore reach the beneficiaries of NREGA, or does it end up in the hands of Trinamool Congress workers? Please investigate this,” he challenged.
