NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Border Security Force (BSF) of aiding infiltrators to enter India to destabilise the state.
Speaking at a public event, Banerjee charged the BSF with allowing entry through several border areas under its jurisdiction such as Islampur, Sitai and Chopra.
She questioned the motives behind these actions, suggesting they were part of a “blueprint” orchestrated by the central government.
“The border is guarded by BSF, not TMC. They are sending goons and murderers across the border. This is an inside job by the BSF, supported by a blueprint from the central government. Without such a plan, these activities would not be possible,” the chief minister said.
Banerjee warned that if such activities persisted, her party would stage protests against the BSF.
“People are entering through BSF Islampur, through Sitai, through Chopra, we have news. Why are you not protesting? The border is in the hands of the BSF. If anyone thinks that they are intruding into Bengal and maligning the Trinamool, let them be warned that the Trinamool Congress does not do these things. Don’t abuse Trinamool by supporting the wrongdoings of BSF,” Banerjee said, as reported by ANI.
Her remarks come amidst a growing political slugfest over border management and allegations of partisanship.
Banerjee also added that she had repeatedly raised her concerns with the central government but claimed her warnings were ignored. She stated that while the TMC would adhere to the government’s decisions, it would not hesitate to oppose actions that threaten the state’s peace and stability.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accused the West Bengal government of obstructing efforts to acquire land for building BSF outposts along the Bangladesh border earlier this week. Adhikari alleged that the state government’s lack of cooperation with the Centre and the ministry of home affairs was hindering national security.
“I gave out the details of how non-cooperation is being done (by the state government) with the Centre and MHA… Joint meetings are not being held, no coordination with central government agencies, and police released all the 1,500 intruders arrested by BSF last year and 1,000 this year,” Adhikari claimed. He further accused the state of withholding land for 17 proposed BSF outposts and using the assembly to pass resolutions against the BSF.
Adhikari’s allegations extended to the state’s handling of transborder crime. He alleged that many criminals operating across the border are allegedly shielded by the ruling party. “Politics should be stopped for the sake of the country and the Bengali community,” he said, urging the state to prioritize collaboration with the central government.
