Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday said his government had expelled 10,000 illegal “infiltrators” from the state and was holding another 1,800 people at 12 centres pending deportation. He also accused the previous Mamata Banerjee-led government of misleading Muslims for political gain and failing to strengthen border security.
Addressing criticism over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and the state’s approach to infiltration, Adhikari said Indian citizens need not fear any action regardless of religion or political affiliation. He stated that only illegal infiltrators were being targeted under the ongoing drive.
The chief minister said identifying illegal entrants became easier after the implementation of laws enacted by the central government. According to him, authorities now identify infiltrators and hand them over to the Border Security Force instead of sending them to jail.
Adhikari added that people covered under the Citizenship Amendment Act and those who entered the country legally would not face any action. He said the government had intensified efforts against illegal infiltration and would continue a policy of zero tolerance.
The chief minister also criticised the previous government over border management. He questioned why land required for Border Security Force fencing projects had not been handed over earlier and accused the former administration of repeatedly attacking the BSF.
Highlighting current efforts, Adhikari said the government had already handed over 142.8 acres for border infrastructure projects, including land in Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. He claimed fencing along a 600-kilometre stretch of the international border would be completed within the next few months.
In remarks that triggered protests from opposition benches, Adhikari accused the previous government of failing Muslim youth by promoting madrasa education instead of encouraging higher education and professional careers. TMC members objected to several of his allegations during the proceedings. The episode highlights the ongoing rhetoric espoused by BJP led governments across the country, where Muslims are baselessly persecuted over citizenship.
