Will ensure infiltration-free electoral rolls: Shah in Malda
The Statesman | 17 April 2026
Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday launched a sharp political offensive in Malda, attacking the Trinamul Congress leadership over the issue of alleged infiltration and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
In a hard-hitting address at election rallies in Manikchak and Mothabari Assembly segments, Shah accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of opposing efforts to cleanse the voter list. “The moment the Election Commission of India initiated steps to prepare an infiltration-free electoral roll, Mamata Banerjee began to panic,” he alleged, asserting that the SIR exercise was aimed at identifying and removing illegal infiltrators from the rolls.
Stepping up his attack, Shah declared that if voted to power, the BJP would identify and deport infiltrators. “After forming the government on 5 May, we will ensure that infiltrators are identified and sent back. This will not be limited to North Bengal but carried out across the country,” he said. He also announced plans to strengthen border security, including fencing along the India-Bangladesh border by acquiring nearly 600 acres of land.
Focusing on development, the Union home minister promised a slew of projects for North Bengal, including four industrial townships, as well as institutions such as AIIMS, IIT, a cancer hospital, and a sports university to boost employment opportunities.
Invoking national policy decisions, Shah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for abrogating Article 370 and constructing the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, stating that the government had fulfilled its promises.
Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday delivered a strongly worded warning aimed at former Trinamul Congress leader Humayun Kabir, asserting, “Let this be clearly understood ~ no attempt to reconstruct the Babri Masjid will be permitted on Indian soil. It will not be built again in this country.”
In the same breath, he targeted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying, “Your aspirations will not be realised; they will be decisively shattered on 5 May.”
He also launched a scathing attack on the Trinamul Congress government, alleging the prevalence of a “syndicate raj” and widespread corruption. Referring to reports of central funds for flood relief, Shah questioned whether money meant for the affected had been siphoned off through “cut-money” practices.
On law and order during elections, Shah warned that no violence would be tolerated. “Central forces will be deployed, and those attempting to create unrest will be firmly dealt with,” he said, cautioning alleged Trinamul-backed elements to stay away from any disruption on polling day.
Shah also criticised the state government for failing to promote Malda’s famous mango industry, claiming that despite high demand in states like Gujarat, no meaningful steps had been taken for its development.
Announcing a welfare promise, he said BJP workers would distribute “guarantee cards” from Poila Baisakh, assuring that women beneficiaries would receive Rs 3,000 per month directly in their bank accounts if the party forms the government.
The Union home minister, who addressed multiple rallies across North and South Dinajpur before arriving in Malda, repeatedly emphasised the need to strengthen the BJP to ensure both development and security in North Bengal.