Shuvendu Adhikari Claims Mass Exodus of Bangladeshi Infiltrators, Accuses TMC of Voter List Manipulation

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, December 3, 2024, Kolkata : In a series of controversial statements, the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, Shuvendu Adhikari, has claimed that a significant number of Bangladeshi infiltrators, including Rohingyas, have fled the state due to pressure from his political actions and the Hindu community’s support. Adhikari, addressing journalists near the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on Tuesday afternoon, boldly stated, “One lakh legal Bangladeshis have fled because of my courage and the roar of the Sanatanis. Look at the hotels in New Market; they are empty. They have fled, and we will continue to chase out the rest."

This latest outburst from the BJP leader follows similar statements made in a road meeting in Jadavpur, Kolkata, and a public address in Bangaon on Monday, where he reiterated his stance on removing illegal immigrants from the state. He went on to claim that areas like New Market and Shyamoli Paribahan are now free of Rohingya migrants, alleging that they had been forced to leave due to his relentless actions and the backing of the Hindu community.

Adhikari also showed journalists photographs he claimed depicted Rohingyas living in various parts of the state, including Howrah and Dankuni. He accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of orchestrating a conspiracy to alter the state’s demographic makeup by sheltering illegal Bangladeshi Muslim immigrants, particularly Rohingyas. “These people entered India without visas. How many Rohingyas will the TMC accept?” he asked, asserting that the TMC had manipulated voter lists by including the names of illegal migrants.

Continuing his criticism of the TMC, Adhikari targeted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of pandering to both Muslims and Hindus for political gain. He claimed that the Chief Minister is “afraid of Hindus” and is now making efforts to retain the support of the Hindu community, which he argued had united against her government.

The accusations and remarks have sparked controversy in the state, with the TMC dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated. The ruling party continues to deny the presence of illegal immigrants in West Bengal, insisting that such claims are part of a divisive political narrative.

The ongoing debate over the issue of illegal immigration has been a contentious topic in West Bengal politics, with the BJP consistently accusing the TMC of aiding the infiltration of migrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar. However, the TMC has denied all such allegations, labeling them as attempts to create fear and unrest in the state.

As the political tension over this issue intensifies, it remains to be seen how the state government and opposition will navigate these contentious claims in the lead-up to the next election cycle.