NEW DELHI: Union minister Giriraj Singh criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday, accusing her government of turning the state into a “nursery” for Bangladeshi infiltrators. Singh alleged that the state administration had “rolled out a red carpet” for Bangladeshi nationals, enabling their entry and politicising their presence.
“It’s laughable that the West Bengal government has welcomed Bangladeshis and then engaged in politics in their name. Mamata Banerjee must apologize to the people of the state and the nation. She has openly stated that no one can remove Bangladeshis as long as she is in power. West Bengal has become a hub for Bangladeshi infiltrators”, Singh said.
Earlier in the day, CM Mamata Banerjee had deflected blame onto the Border Security Force (BSF), accusing it of facilitating the entry of militants and infiltrators from Bangladesh. At a State Administrative Review Meeting in Kolkata, Banerjee alleged that the BSF, under the influence of a “blueprint” from the central government, was responsible for disruptions in the state.
“The border is guarded by BSF, not the TMC,” Banerjee stated. “They are sending goons and murderers across the border. This is an inside job by the BSF, orchestrated under a central government plan. Without this blueprint, these activities would not be possible.”
Banerjee further accused the BSF of atrocities against women in border areas and asserted that the central government had ignored her repeated warnings. She pledged that the TMC would protest against any actions that destabilize the state.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed that the state government had hindered the construction of 17 proposed BSF outposts and released thousands of intruders apprehended by the BSF.
In contrast, Banerjee asserted that the TMC bore no responsibility for border breaches, placing accountability squarely on the BSF. “If anyone thinks they can malign the TMC for infiltrators entering Bengal, let them know we are not responsible. The BSF, which controls the border, must answer,” she said.
