Modi: Big Action On Infiltration If BJP Wins Bengal

Addressing a BJP election rally in Malda, the Prime Minister also vowed to put an end to what he termed the “black deeds” of corruption under the TMC government. He made these remarks after flagging off several railway projects, including the first-ever Howrah-Guwahati (Kamakhya) Vande Bharat Sleeper Express and four Amrit Bharat Express trains, during his two-day visit to the state.

Raising the issue of illegal immigration, Modi referred to developed nations expelling undocumented migrants, in an apparent reference to countries such as the US and the UK. “Infiltration is a big challenge in Bengal. Look at developed and wealthy countries; they are driving out infiltrators. In Bengal too, it is necessary to evict infiltrators,” he said.

Questioning the ruling party’s intent, the Prime Minister asked whether infiltrators could ever be sent back while the TMC remained in power. “Can the TMC do it? Will it protect your rights, land, daughters and sisters?” he asked, accusing the party of pursuing appeasement politics to secure electoral gains.

Modi alleged that TMC leaders and their “syndicate” had facilitated the settlement of infiltrators over the years to convert them into voters. “Infiltrators snatch the rights of the poor and the jobs of the youth. They commit atrocities against daughters and sisters and spread terror and crime,” he claimed.

Addressing concerns among the Matua community, a group of Hindu migrants, over the deletion of names during the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, Modi sought to reassure them. “I request the Matuas and others who came here due to religious persecution not to be afraid. Their interests will be protected. They will get citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act. A BJP government in Bengal will work for their social and economic development,” he said.

The Prime Minister also flagged demographic changes in border districts, claiming that population balance was being affected in several areas. He alleged that differences in language and social behaviour were emerging and linked recent incidents of violence in districts such as Malda and Murshidabad to what he described as an increase in infiltrator populations.

Appealing to voters to defeat what he termed the “corrupt and ruthless” TMC government, Modi said, “You have to break the alliance between infiltrators and those in power here. I assure you that strict action will be taken against infiltration once the BJP forms the government.”

He also accused the TMC of misappropriating central funds meant for flood control and river embankment works. “People ask for strong embankments, but floods keep causing destruction. I saw it in the CAG report, funds meant for relief went into the accounts of TMC leaders,” he alleged, adding that corruption would be curbed if the BJP came to power.

Pitching for development, including Malda’s mango economy, Modi highlighted the BJP’s recent electoral successes in neighbouring states such as Bihar and Odisha, as well as its maiden victory in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Notably, during his nearly 42-minute speech, Modi did not directly target Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee or her nephew and MP Abhishek Banerjee, unlike in previous campaign addresses.