TMC aided state-sponsored infiltration in Bengal: Shah

Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday accused the TMC government in West Bengal of aiding “state-sponsored infiltration” and corruption.

He further said that incidents of assault on women in Sandeshkhali and the rape and murder of a doctor at the RG Kar Hospital were evidence that women are “not safe” in the state.

Criticising the West Bengal Government, Shah further said all funds sent by the Centre to the state, “were being sacrificed at the altar of corruption”.

He made these remarks during his address after inaugurating the new passenger terminal building and a Maitri Dwar at Petrapole in West Bengal, built at a cost of Rs 487 crore by the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI).

Shah pointed out that under the previous UPA government, Rs 5,000 crore was allocated to Bengal through the MGNREGA scheme, which the NDA government hiked to Rs 54,000 crore over the last 10 years. He emphasised on the need to investigate why this money did not reach the beneficiaries of the schemes.

Lauding LPAI’s initiative, Shah said it would play a big role in curbing illegal infiltration from Bangladesh. “If you vote for change in the 2026 Assembly elections, then the BJP will only rest after completely stopping illegal movement from across the border,” he said.

“Mamata Banerjee was part of your government for 10 years, but what have you done for Bengal?” Shah asked leaders of the INDI alliance.

“All the funds sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Bengal are eaten up by the Trinamool Congress workers and don’t reach the real beneficiaries. She should get this probed,” Shah said.

Meanwhile, referring to the Maitri Dwar, the Minister said that it would help in establishing peace in the eastern frontier, as the lack of a legal framework for movement had led to illegal crossings. Shah said peace in West Bengal could only be established when the support for illegal infiltration was stopped. This would usher in a new era of partnership with neighbouring countries, he said.

The Home Minister also highlighted the Centre’s role in transforming the concept of the LPAI. He noted that it was previously seen as a mere means of trade, but now it has become a gateway to prosperity and peace, playing a significant role in connecting with the neighbouring nations, promoting legal trade and contributing to the creation of a prosperous nation.

Shah mentioned that the terminal building, built at a cost of approximately Rs 500 crore, had the capacity to handle 25,000 passengers daily. He added that this would greatly boost medical and educational tourism.

The Maitri Dwar, constructed at a cost of Rs 6 crore, will allow smooth passage of transport with a handling capacity of over 600 to 700 trucks per day.