Amit Shah Targets TMC Ahead of West Bengal Polls, Calls Election Crucial for National Security

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday launched a sharp attack on the ruling All India Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, describing the state as a victim of “anarchy” and unveiling a chargesheet against the party ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Framing the polls as critical not only for West Bengal but for the country as a whole, Shah linked the electoral outcome to broader concerns of national security and governance.

“Election Beyond Bengal”

“This election is important not just for Bengal but for the country. It is important for national security,” Shah said, asserting that the outcome would have implications for internal security and the issue of illegal migration.

He added that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would focus on public concerns and present concrete solutions. “We have decided to raise public issues and offer solutions. Even if we are criticised for presenting a chargesheet, it reflects our commitment to the people,” he said.

Describing the election as a battle against fear and corruption, Shah stated, “This election is about defeating fear and corruption.”

Criticism of TMC Governance

Shah accused the government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of failing to deliver on its promises, alleging that the state had witnessed a decline in industrial growth and governance standards.

“TMC has turned Bengal into a ‘cut money government’ and a graveyard of industries,” he said, while also alleging that party workers had created an atmosphere of fear among citizens.

He further claimed that the state had experienced “years of lies and fear” under TMC rule and promised that the BJP would address what he described as governance failures.

Allegations on Infiltration and Security

The Home Minister also raised concerns over illegal migration, alleging that infiltration into India was being facilitated through West Bengal.

“After the BJP came to power in Assam, infiltration has stopped from there. Now it is happening through Bengal,” he said, questioning whether “infiltrators” should influence the state’s future.

He called for the removal of illegal migrants from electoral rolls and from the country, alleging that they were being retained as voters.

Demographic and Safety Concerns

Shah further claimed that the state had witnessed “artificial demographic changes” and said that citizens were living in fear. He raised concerns about public safety, particularly for women, and framed the election as a choice between insecurity and stability.

“People are worried about safety and their future. This election is about freedom from fear,” he said.

Political Messaging and Electoral Confidence

Targeting Mamata Banerjee personally, Shah accused her of engaging in “victim politics” and questioned certain administrative decisions taken by the state government.

He urged voters to choose between “Bhoy” (fear) and “Bharosa” (trust), presenting the BJP as a credible alternative.

Expressing confidence in his party’s prospects, Shah said the BJP had steadily expanded its support base in West Bengal over the past three elections, while the Congress and Left parties had weakened.

He also cited the BJP’s recent electoral successes in states such as Maharashtra and Bihar as indicators of its growing national strength.

Strategic Concerns

Shah additionally flagged concerns over the security of the Siliguri Corridor, attributing vulnerabilities to what he termed “infiltration politics.”

Concluding his remarks, Shah framed the election as pivotal for safeguarding citizens’ rights, ensuring security, and shaping the future of the state.

“This is an election for your right to live with dignity and freedom, to secure the future of the youth, and to ensure safety for women,” he said, adding that a “trustworthy government” could only be formed by replacing the current administration.