A sharp contrast between official deportation data and political rhetoric has brought renewed focus to the issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh, particularly in the context of recent electoral developments in eastern India.
Despite sustained campaigns by the BJP targeting “infiltration” from Bangladesh, data from the Ministry of Home Affairs suggests that the number of deportations during the BJP-led government’s tenure has been significantly lower than in previous years under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA).
According to official figures, deportations between 2014 and 2024 ranged from under 1,000 annually to as low as 50 in some years, totalling 3,568. In contrast, between 2005 and 2013 under the UPA regime, annual figures consistently ran into the thousands —exceeding 14,000 in some years — bringing the total to 82,255.
The BJP has long maintained a firm stance on illegal immigration, adopting what it describes as the “three Ds” policy — detection, deletion, and deportation. A 2014 response from the Home Ministry had stated that controlling illegal immigration from Bangladesh was a “highest priority.”
However, analysts point out that while the discourse around “infiltration” has intensified, especially during election campaigns, the corresponding enforcement data appears less robust. The term itself has featured prominently in official reports over the years, reflecting a consistent administrative focus on border management challenges.
The India-Bangladesh border has historically been described as “porous,” posing significant difficulties for enforcement agencies like the Border Security Force (BSF). Over time, the government has introduced measures such as fencing, floodlighting, and electronic surveillance to curb cross-border movement. In 2024, the Centre also established a dedicated Department of Border Management to streamline efforts in this area.
Political rhetoric around immigration has been particularly pronounced in states like West Bengal and Assam. During recent election campaigns, Union Home Minister Amit Shah repeatedly emphasised the need to eliminate illegal infiltration, framing it as a key electoral issue.
Following the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the BJP made significant electoral gains in border districts such as Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, and North 24 Parganas. Shortly after assuming office, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced plans to transfer land to the Home Ministry to expedite border fencing, stating that the move would help resolve the infiltration issue.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that between 2025 and early 2026, over 3,700 individuals identified as illegal Bangladeshi nationals were deported as part of intensified enforcement measures led by central agencies. However, concerns have also been raised over alleged wrongful deportations in some cases.
Across the border, political developments in Bangladesh have added another dimension to the situation. In the 2026 national elections, the Jamaat-e-Islami secured a notable number of seats, particularly in districts adjoining India.
Observers note that the evolving political landscape on both sides of the border, combined with heightened rhetoric, could create a sensitive environment. Experts caution that inflammatory narratives or competitive political messaging may risk escalating tensions in the region.
While the immigration issue continues to dominate political discourse, the divergence between rhetoric and official data has sparked debate over policy effectiveness and the broader implications for regional stability.
Also read: Bengal to set up holding centres for illegal migrants, deportees
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