Union Home Minister Amit Shah pressed that peace in West Bengal hinges on halting cross-border infiltration from Bangladesh, stating that only stringent measures against illegal immigration would bring stability to the region.
Speaking at the inauguration of a new passenger terminal and cargo gate at the Petrapole land port along the India-Bangladesh border, Shah reiterated his commitment to securing the state’s borders and claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is prepared to take decisive action should it come to power in Bengal in 2026.
“There can be peace in Bengal only when infiltration stops,” said Shah, highlighting the role of secure land ports in facilitating legitimate border movement while simultaneously curtailing illegal crossings. Shah addressed the public’s concerns on security and called for a significant shift in Bengal’s governance to eliminate the issue of infiltration, which he argues has contributed to unrest and instability within the state.
The Union Minister also criticised the current Trinamool Congress (TMC) government for what he described as failures in curbing corruption and maintaining border security.
"In establishing peace in the region, land ports play an important role. When there is no scope for the legal movement of people across the border, illegal modes of movement arise, which impacts the peace of the country,” he said, emphasising the need for reinforced security protocols at the border.
During his remarks, Shah encouraged Bengal’s residents to bring about political change in the upcoming 2026 state elections, assuring them that the BJP would adopt stringent policies against infiltration.
"I urge the people of Bengal to bring in change in 2026, and we will stop infiltration, and peace will come," he said, asserting that a BJP-led administration would prioritise national security in border regions to ensure peace and order in Bengal.
Pointing to the significance of secure, regulated land ports, Shah described their role in enhancing connectivity and fostering legitimate trade between India and Bangladesh.
He claimed that these secure entry points would also strengthen diplomatic ties while deterring unauthorised entry, thus boosting safety and stability within the border-adjacent districts.
Land ports such as Petrapole, Shah noted, serve as both economic lifelines and security checkpoints, where robust monitoring can prevent cross-border infiltration and subsequently improve regional harmony.
This sentiment, he argued, is a critical aspect of the BJP's broader vision for national security, especially for states like Bengal that share sensitive borders with neighbouring countries.
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