West Bengal Government Says Illegal Immigrants Being Identified for Deportation, Citizens Need Not Worry

PTI, June 23, 2026, Kolkata: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday said his government has identified thousands of illegal immigrants and begun deporting them while assuring genuine Indian citizens they would not be affected, irrespective of their faith.

Speaking in the Assembly during a discussion on the Governor's address, he said 10,000 illegal immigrants have already been identified and pushed across the border, while another 1,800 were awaiting deportation at 12 holding centres.

"The genuine citizens of India have no reason to worry. It does not matter which religion or community they belong to or their political affiliation," the Chief Minister said, adding that action would continue against those residing in the state illegally.

"We have already started sending them back across the border. There will be no imprisonment or punishment. They will be deported directly," Adhikari said.

The Chief Minister also said that only Indian citizens would be entitled to receive benefits under various welfare schemes of the state government.

"We will not allow any illegal immigrant to avail of those funds," he stated.

Adhikari also said that all those not covered under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act would be sent back.

Targeting the previous Trinamool Congress government, he questioned why land had not been provided to the Border Security Force (BSF) for strengthening border infrastructure.

"The previous Chief Minister stood in this Assembly and repeatedly criticised the BSF. It would have been better to provide the land first and then criticise them," he said.

Maintaining that his government was implementing laws enacted by the Union government, Adhikari reiterated that illegal immigrants would be deported rather than jailed.

Presenting figures in the House, the Chief Minister said his government had handed over 142.79 acres of land to the BSF since assuming office and that fencing work along the border would be taken up shortly.

"Those who want to leave may do so. Many have already fled through Hakimpur after hearing my statement. If anyone still remains, they should leave quickly. This government's policy is absolutely clear when it comes to national security, state security and strengthening and safeguarding Bengal," Adhikari stated.