Kolkata: In a bold and controversial statement, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused central forces, particularly the Border Security Force (BSF), of facilitating the infiltration of Bangladesh nationals into the state. During an administrative meeting with top state officials, Banerjee raised serious concerns about the security at the state’s borders, claiming that the BSF was allowing unauthorized entry at several points, including Islampur, Sitai, and Chopra.
“People are entering through BSF Islampur, through Sitai, through Chopra. We have news about it. Why is this being allowed? The border is in the hands of the BSF,” Banerjee remarked, directing her ire at the central force. She further warned against attempts to tarnish the image of her party, Trinamool Congress (TMC), by linking the situation to them. “If anyone thinks that they are intruding into Bengal and maligning the Trinamool, let them be warned that the Trinamool Congress does not do these things. Don’t abuse Trinamool by supporting the wrongdoings of the BSF,” Banerjee asserted.
The CM alleged that these infiltrations were part of a larger “blueprint” orchestrated by the central government to destabilize West Bengal. “They are sending goons, people are coming, killing and going back through borders. These types of people are being sent. This is the inside work of BSF,” she said, referring to her belief that the operations were being carried out with the support of the central government.
Banerjee emphasized that such actions could not be happening without the central government’s involvement, stating, “This can’t happen without the blueprint of the central government. I have told the central government time and again that whatever you will do, we will agree with that. If I see someone helping terrorists to affect my state, in that case, we will have to protest.”
The sharp accusations from the West Bengal CM come in the wake of ongoing political tensions. On Monday, BJP leader Suvendhu Adhikari had alleged that the state government was obstructing the construction of BSF outposts along the Bangladesh border, further fueling the controversy. The border between India and Bangladesh spans 4,096 km, with West Bengal sharing the largest stretch of 2,272 km. Other states bordering Bangladesh include Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, and Meghalaya.
These remarks by Mamata Banerjee have added to the growing political friction between the state government and the Centre, with both sides accusing each other of fostering insecurity in the region. As the controversy intensifies, it remains to be seen how the central government and the BSF will respond to these serious allegations.
