Mamata Banerjee Says Land for Border Fencing Is Available, Seeks Review of BSF Jurisdiction Expansion

 Land for border fencing not an issue, Centre mustroll back BSF jurisdiction expansion rule:

Mamata Banerjee Calls for Review of BSF Jurisdiction Expansion Rule

PTI, KOLKATA, FEB 5, 2026: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said her government had no objection in providing land for border fencing, but insisted that the Centre must first roll back the “arbitrary” decision to expand the BSF's jurisdiction in the state from 15 km to 50 km.

Speaking in the Assembly during discussion on the Governor's address, Mamata rejected allegations by the Centre and the BJP over the state government obstructing border fencing, asserting that land had already been provided to all Central organisations and agencies, including the BSF. “Land will not be a problem. You will get land. But first, change the arbitrary rule increasing BSF's jurisdiction from 15 km to 50 km,” she said, reiterating her government's commitment to national security.

The remarks came amid a fresh war of words between the Centre and the Trinamool Congress-led government over “delay” in fencing, alleged illegal migration and the management of West Bengal's long and porous borders with Bangladesh.

Mamata took direct aim at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who recently accused the state of not cooperating on fencing, alleging that the Centre was selectively presenting facts. “He is not giving the full data on how much land the state has already provided,” she said, adding that land had been allotted to central agencies, ranging from railways to defence establishments.

Referring to BJP's repeated focus on infiltration, the CM questioned the “narrow security-only narrative”. “They understand only one word, infiltration. Will the youth and new voters not get enrolled,” she asked, arguing that excessive securitisation of border areas risks disrupting democratic processes and the lives of ordinary people.