Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday launched a sharp political offensive against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) during a public rally in Debra, Eas Midnapore, reiterating that only a “son of the soil” would become the next Chief Minister of Bengal.
Addressing supporters, Shah asserted that the BJP would ensure that a Bengali leads the state if voted to power. He also promised that the long-pending Ghatal Master Plan would be implemented within a year of forming the government.
The Union Minister accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of prioritising political succession over governance. Taking a direct swipe, he alleged that her primary goal was to install her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, in the Chief Minister’s post.
“Do the people want Modiji, who works for national security, or Mamata Didi, who allows infiltrators?” Shah questioned, framing the election as a choice between governance and alleged appeasement.
A major portion of Shah’s speech centered on the issue of infiltration. He claimed that under the TMC regime, illegal infiltration had increased to the extent that distinguishing between citizens and infiltrators had become difficult.
Promising strict action, Shah said the BJP would “identify and expel every infiltrator” and make border security “impenetrable.” He alleged that infiltrators were taking away resources meant for citizens, including jobs and food rations.
Highlighting development issues, Shah stated that the Centre had allocated Rs 1,500 crore for the Ghatal Master Plan, with an offer to fund 60 per cent of the project. He accused the state government of stalling its progress and pledged to complete it within a year if the BJP comes to power.
Shah also raised concerns over the stalled construction of a concrete bridge over the Kangsabati River, blaming the state administration for delays.
The Home Minister criticised what he described as a “syndicate culture” in Bengal, alleging that construction materials like cement and sand were controlled by politically backed groups. He promised strict action against such networks, stating they would be dismantled if the BJP forms the government.
On employment, Shah claimed that over 6,000 companies had left the state, contributing to rising unemployment among youth. He assured that efforts would be made to bring industries back and generate jobs locally.
The Home Minister further alleged that the state government had accumulated a debt of Rs 8 lakh crore and questioned its spending priorities, particularly on education. He also announced that the BJP would implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state if elected, emphasising uniform laws for all citizens.
Shah began his speech by paying tribute to social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and commemorating the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister Prafulla Chandra Sen.
The rally was held in support of BJP candidates from Debra, Panskura, Daspur, and Keshpur constituencies, as the political temperature continues to rise ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
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