In a sharp shift from past narratives of corruption and governance failures, the BJP is now anchoring its West Bengal campaign on national security and illegal infiltration. Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s fiery speech in Kolkata signalled that the 2026 assembly election will be fought on broader national concerns, not just state-level issues. With allegations against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of aiding cross-border infiltration and obstructing counter-terrorism efforts, the BJP is aiming to reframe the electoral discourse in Bengal.
At the Netaji Indoor Stadium, Shah told party workers that the upcoming election is a battle not just for Bengal’s future but for the security of the nation. His remarks came just two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state. Shah accused the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government of enabling illegal Bangladeshi infiltration, claiming it is happening “with her blessings.” He posed a rhetorical challenge—“Can Mamata stop it? Only the BJP can.”
Vote Bank Politics and National Security
Shah’s accusations didn’t stop at infiltration. He pointed to recent violence in Murshidabad, blaming the state government for ignoring repeated calls to deploy the Border Security Force (BSF). According to him, only court intervention prompted BSF action that ultimately saved lives. He alleged the riot had the backing of state machinery, with a Bengal minister reportedly present during the violence.
Senior BJP leaders believe that unchecked infiltration is altering the demographic fabric in border districts like Murshidabad and Malda, posing a long-term national security risk. The party will frame this as the result of TMC’s “vote bank politics,” alleging that Hindus in these districts have been reduced to a minority.
Targeting Mamata’s Stand on Operation Sindoor
Shah also criticised Mamata Banerjee’s comments on Operation Sindoor, claiming she offended millions of women. “When the Prime Minister came here after Operation Sindoor, Mamata opposed it and insulted the symbol of sindoor,” he said, adding that the BJP will mobilise women voters on this issue in the upcoming election.
The TMC, however, hit back sharply. The party accused Amit Shah of shirking responsibility, asserting that national security is a central government issue. “If infiltration is happening, it’s Shah who should resign,” said senior TMC MP Dr Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar. She cited past lapses like Pulwama and the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, calling Shah’s leadership a failure on all counts.
