Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said it is “very important” to fence the West Bengal border with Bangladesh, alleging that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government is allowing infiltration into the state. His remarks have once again sparked a sharp political exchange between the BJP and TMC ahead of the upcoming electoral season.
Addressing a public event in North Bengal, Sarma claimed that illegal infiltration from across the international border remains a serious security concern and must be checked through stronger physical barriers and stricter enforcement. He alleged that West Bengal has become vulnerable due to “weak border management,” and accused the state government of failing to act decisively on the issue.
“The West Bengal border with Bangladesh must be properly fenced. Infiltration is a serious issue, and it is happening because of the policies of the ruling party in the state,” Sarma said, targeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government.
He further alleged that infiltrators are entering India through West Bengal and later moving to other parts of the country, raising concerns over national security. The Assam Chief Minister also said that BJP-ruled states have taken stronger steps to prevent such cross-border movement compared to West Bengal.
The remarks come amid ongoing political debate in eastern India over border security, demographic changes, and migration issues. The BJP has repeatedly raised concerns over infiltration in West Bengal, making it a key political plank in its electoral strategy, while the TMC has strongly rejected such allegations, calling them politically motivated and aimed at polarising voters.
Sarma’s comments are expected to further intensify the confrontation between the two parties, especially as the state heads into a politically charged period with upcoming elections and continued focus on national security and border management.
The West Bengal government has not issued an official response to Sarma’s latest statement at the time of reporting. Meanwhile, the issue of border fencing and infiltration continues to remain a sensitive and politically charged topic in the region.
