Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday accused the West Bengal government of failing to cooperate with the Centre on strengthening border security, alleging that the state has repeatedly delayed the allotment of land required for barbed fencing along the international border with Bangladesh.
Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, Shah said he had written seven letters to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee seeking adequate land for the Border Security Force (BSF).
He added that despite three secretary-level meetings held in the state on the matter, the issue remained unresolved.
Shah questioned the state government’s reluctance, arguing that the absence of proper fencing directly affected the BSF’s ability to curb illegal infiltration.
He said critics unfairly blamed the force for failing to stop cross-border movement even though the state had not provided essential infrastructure support.
Shah Rejects Claims of BJP–TMC Understanding
The Union Home Minister also addressed allegations by the CPI(M)-led Left Front and sections of the Congress that the Trinamool Congress enjoyed tacit support from the BJP at higher levels.
Rejecting the claims, Shah said the BJP would never align with a party that, in his words, encouraged illegal infiltration to protect its voter base.
He warned that unchecked infiltration posed a serious threat to West Bengal, claiming it was already altering the state’s demographic balance.
Shah said that unless the issue was addressed urgently, public suffering would worsen in the coming years.
Shah further accused the state government of selectively diluting rules laid down by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the central authority responsible for managing all-India services.
He alleged that West Bengal frequently relaxed these norms while appointing senior officials, including the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police.
“The state dilutes the rules according to convenience,” Shah said, claiming that these practices undermine administrative discipline and institutional processes.
The remarks come on growing political tension between the Centre and the West Bengal government over issues ranging from border management to governance and law enforcement.
As the 2026 Assembly elections approach, political parties are likely to keep border security and infiltration at the centre of confrontation in the state.
Also Read: Amit Shah Guarantees Voting Rights For Matua Community On Citizenship Applications
To read more such news, download Bharat Express news apps
