Mamata Banerjee Accuses BSF of Aiding Infiltrators, Demands Investigation

 On Thursday, Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, accused the Border Security Force (BSF) of facilitating the entry of "infiltrators" into India, potentially destabilizing the state. During a press conference, she claimed that individuals were entering through BSF-controlled areas in Islampur, Sitai, and Chopra. "Why are you not protesting? The border is under the control of the BSF. If anyone thinks they can intrude into Bengal and malign the Trinamool Congress, let them be warned that the party does not engage in such activities," she stated. She also urged BSF Director General Rajeev Kumar to investigate these allegations of complicity in infiltration.

In response to Banerjee’s accusations, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly defended the BSF. BJP leader Anirban Ganguly remarked, "Mamata Banerjee is the only leader to have criticized and abused the BSF. The real issue with her and Abhishek Banerjee is that the BSF has cracked down on the illicit networks involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cattle smuggling, targeting some of the key figures in these operations. We advise them to cooperate with the BSF, especially in light of the current situation in Bangladesh."

Meanwhile, tensions between India and Bangladesh have been rising since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August, prompting India to call on the interim government of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, to halt attacks on Hindus.

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, in a separate remark, criticized the Centre’s handling of the Bangladesh crisis, calling its diplomatic response "inadequate." He challenged BJP leaders in the state, urging them to press the central government to take a stronger stance on the ongoing atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh. "If BJP leaders are truly concerned about the mistreatment of minorities in Bangladesh, they should demand that their leadership in Delhi respond more effectively to the situation," said Banerjee, who represents Diamond Harbour.