Fadnavis-Mamata Clash Over Bangladesh Infiltration Ignites National Security Debate

Mumbai:

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's remarks regarding illegal Bangladeshi infiltration and his criticism of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have provoked a strong response from the Trinamool Congress. During NDTV Marathi Manch's "Unstoppable Maharashtra" conclave, Fadnavis stated, "I respect Mamata Didi but putting national security at risk for vote bank politics is not right."

Addressing Mamata Banerjee's claims that Bengali-speaking individuals were being targeted in BJP-governed states, Fadnavis clarified, "It is obvious that people from Bangladesh will speak Bengali. But there are distinct differences in the language of those who are from Bangladesh and those who are from India."

Fadnavis further noted that 90 percent of suspected Bangladeshi infiltrators, when apprehended, "admit their position and end up telling us how they came, what route they took to come here." He emphasized that proper procedures and valid visas are required for Bangladeshi nationals entering India.

He added that law enforcement has been actively working to identify and deport illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.

The Trinamool Congress responded forcefully to these comments. West Bengal Minister and senior Trinamool leader Shashi Panja defended Mamata Banerjee, stating, "Mamata Banerjee is an elected Chief Minister. She has been elected thrice. Her view has always been that nation comes first and national security comes first."

Panja emphasized that national security remains a priority for both the party and state government. She referenced Operation Sindoor, noting that AITC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee led a delegation to explain the operation's perspective to various countries, demonstrating cooperation across political differences.

Panja then redirected responsibility to the central government, saying, "We would ask the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, to question the Union Home Minister because there have been failures along the border. If there is infiltration, then it is, of course, the Border Security Force which should have looked into it."

The Bangladeshi infiltration issue has intensified political tensions between the BJP and Trinamool Congress, particularly as the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists begins in West Bengal, where assembly elections are scheduled for next year.

While BJP accuses Trinamool of harboring infiltrators as potential voters, Trinamool claims BJP harasses Bengali-speaking migrant workers in states under its governance. With West Bengal elections approaching in early 2026, this political rhetoric will likely intensify.