Escalating the political battle ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during his visit to Kolkata on Saturday. Releasing a ‘charge sheet’ against the 15-year rule of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Shah accused the Chief Minister of deliberately blurring the distinction between ‘Bangladeshi infiltrators’ and ‘indigenous Bengalis’ for electoral gains.

Shah alleged that under the TMC regime, West Bengal has become the principal corridor for infiltration and appeasement politics. “Mamata Didi views infiltrators as her loyal vote bank. She is intentionally trying to mix the identity of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants with the proud Bengali community. This is a grave threat to national security,” Shah stated, adding that a BJP government would ensure complete border fencing and the expulsion of every infiltrator.

The Home Minister also drew attention to the recent Ram Navami celebrations in the state. Historically a flashpoint for communal tension in Bengal, Shah claimed that this year saw a significant reduction in violence. He attributed this change to the proactive measures taken by the Election Commission of India (ECI). “Ram Navami was peaceful this year because the ECI transferred several IAS and IPS officers who were functioning as TMC cadres. Once neutral officers were in charge, the administration worked effectively to prevent chaos,” Shah claimed.

Characterizing the TMC’s tenure as a ‘laboratory of corruption and syndicate raj,’ Shah framed the upcoming 2026 polls as a contest between ‘Fear and Trust.’ He criticized the state government for failing to attract industry and allowing ‘cut-money’ culture to flourish. While the TMC responded by calling the charges baseless and accusing the BJP of using central agencies to influence the polls, Shah’s remarks have set a high-voltage tone for the election campaign. He concluded by urging the people of Bengal to vote for a “Parivartan” (change) that ensures national security and economic prosperity.