Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee compromising national security for sake of vote-bank politics: Amit Shah

NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) leader Amit Shah made a bold statement at Kanthi rally West Bengal on Wednesday, signaling the BJP's growing strength in the state and targeting the ruling Trinamool Congress ( TMC ) led by chief minister Mamata Banerjee .

Shah said that the "INDIA bloc" has been decimated following the conclusion of five phases of Lok Sabha polls in the state, indicating a significant dent in the opposition's stronghold. He emphasized the BJP's burgeoning influence, hinting at an imminent political upheaval.

Asserting confidence in BJP's electoral prospects, Shah predicted that once the party secures 30 Lok Sabha seats in Bengal, the TMC would disintegrate, paving the way for the exit of the Mamata Banerjee-led government. This bold assertion underscores the BJP's ambitions to upend the political landscape in the state.

Accusing the TMC of fostering an environment conducive to illegal infiltration , Shah lambasted Mamata Banerjee, alleging that her government has transformed Bengal into a sanctuary for infiltrators. He further accused Banerjee of compromising national security for the sake of electoral gains, labeling her actions as detrimental to the nation's interests.

“Bengal has become a safe haven for infiltrators. Due to infiltration, the demography of the state is changing, which is impacting not only Bengal but the entire country.

“Mamata Banerjee is committing a sin by allowing infiltrators to change the demography of Bengal. She is compromising national security for the sake of vote-bank politics ,” he alleged.

The BJP has maintained that “infiltrators are the vote bank of the TMC”.

Shah did not mince words in his criticism of Banerjee's governance, accusing her of altering Bengal's demographic fabric and nurturing an environment where bomb-making thrives as the predominant industry. He also condemned attacks on monks, urging Banerjee to refrain from using divisive tactics for electoral advantage.

Highlighting the broader ramifications of infiltration in Bengal, Shah emphasized its adverse impact on the entire nation, underscoring the urgency of addressing the issue comprehensively.

“Mamata Banerjee is attacking the Bharat Sevasharam Sangha, but she is not aware that had the Sangha not been there, Bengal would have been a part of Bangladesh. She is mounting an attack on monks just to appease her vote bank,” the home minister added.