CM claims 10,000 infiltrators expelled, accuses former govt of misleading Muslims
Times of India | 24 June 2026
Kolkata: CM Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday claimed that his govt had expelled 10,000 illegal infiltrators from the state and was holding another 1,800 at 12 centres awaiting deportation, while accusing the previous Mamata Banerjee-led govt of misleading Muslims for political gains and failing to secure Bengal’s international border.
Responding to criticism over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the govt’s approach towards infiltration, CM said, “If you are Indian in your heart and soul, whatever religion you follow and whichever party you belong to, nothing will happen to you.”
He said identifying infiltrators had become easier after implementing laws enacted by the Centre. “Earlier, you could not identify who the infiltrators were. We have implemented the law of the Govt of India. Catch them and hand them over to the BSF. No jail,” he said.
Claiming that action against illegal entrants had been intensified action, Adhikari said those covered under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) or those who entered legally would not be affected.
The CM alleged that the previous govt pursued vote-bank politics and failed to strengthen border security. Questioning TMC’s stand on the Border Security Force (BSF), he asked why land required for fencing projects had not been handed over earlier.
“I want to ask you a question: Why did the previous govt not give land to the BSF? Time and again, standing right here in the assembly, the former CM attacked the BSF. Resolutions were brought in this House against the BSF. You could have first given the land and then criticised them,” he said.
Highlighting his administration’s efforts, Adhikari said 142.8 acres was already handed over for border infrastructure projects, including 22.9 acres in Cooch Behar, 35.2 acres in Jalpaiguri and 8.8 acres in Darjeeling. He claimed fencing work across a 600-km stretch of the international border would be completed within the next few months.
In one of his strongest attacks on the former govt, Adhikari accused it of failing Muslim youths by promoting religious education at the expense of mainstream opportunities. “Why will you send them to madrasas? Why will you not send them to schools and colleges? Why will you not make them doctors and engineers? ” he asked.
The remarks triggered protests from opposition benches, with TMC members objecting to several of the allegations. Adhikari, however, maintained that his govt would continue its policy of “zero tolerance” towards illegal infiltration while expanding welfare and development programmes for citizens.