TMC silent as BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari targets alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators
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The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal has reportedly remained silent after BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari posted on social media the identities of three alleged Bangladeshis, whom he sought to be removed for illegally staying in the state, despite officials' apprehensions of potential disruptions to the law and order situation.
Adhikari’s social media post, which included names, photos, and addresses of the individuals, has drawn concerns over potential law and order disruptions, The Indian Express reported.
Officials privately expressed unease about Adhikari’s public disclosure, fearing the move could incite vigilante action. The BJP leader also alleged that one of the individuals is associated with a radical organisation and urged the Union Home Ministry to initiate an investigation into the matter.
He reiterated the BJP’s longstanding demand for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal to address the issue of illegal immigration.
The BJP has linked Adhikari’s statement to the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, where members of the Hindu community have reportedly faced attacks. Party leaders believe these developments could lead to a consolidation of Hindu votes in West Bengal, bolstering their political prospects in a state where the TMC has maintained electoral dominance since 2019.
Recent arrests of individuals allegedly associated with banned organisations, including some from Bangladesh, have provided the BJP with further material to intensify its campaign against illegal immigration. However, questions remain about the sources of Adhikari’s information, with BJP insiders declining to comment on how the details of the three individuals were obtained.
State police officials have expressed concerns that Adhikari’s actions risk destabilising the situation on the ground, potentially leading to unrest in the areas where the alleged Bangladeshis are said to reside. While verifying the allegations, law enforcement officials criticised what they described as an irresponsible approach by a prominent political figure.
The TMC, while refraining from addressing the specifics of Adhikari’s allegations, deflected the blame to central agencies, citing the Border Security Force’s (BSF) responsibility for managing infiltration. The party suggested that Adhikari’s claims highlight failures at the central level, given the BJP’s leadership of the Union government.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) also avoided direct commentary but criticised both the BJP and the TMC for politicising the Bangladesh crisis. They alleged that both parties were exploiting the situation for electoral gain, with the BJP pushing a polarising agenda and the TMC aiming to secure support from other communities.