Amit Shah accuses Mamata Banerjee of aiding Bangladeshis, Rohingyas as Lok Sabha passes Immigration Bill-OxBig News Network

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday lashed out at the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, accusing it of obstructing border security efforts and aiding illegal immigrants. Speaking during the discussion on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha, Shah said that minority groups were the safest in India and that the government had always provided refuge to persecuted communities. Shah criticised the Bengal government for not cooperating with border fencing efforts, stating that 450 km of fencing work remained incomplete due to the state’s refusal to provide land. “Whenever fencing work begins, ruling party workers create disruptions through hooliganism and religious sloganeering,” he alleged.

He also claimed that Bangladeshi infiltrators and Rohingyas were now entering India through West Bengal instead of Assam. “The TMC government is showing mercy to infiltrators, issuing them Aadhaar and voter cards,” Shah said, adding that many illegal immigrants caught had Aadhaar cards from 24 Parganas district. He asserted that once the BJP forms the government in Bengal in 2026, such activities would be halted.

 The Lok Sabha later passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which aims to streamline immigration policies and strengthen border security measures.

Replying to the discussion on the bill, Shah emphasised that immigration was closely linked to national security and that monitoring those entering the country’s borders was crucial. “Immigration is not a separate issue. Many issues of the country are linked to it. From the point of view of national security, it is very important to know who enters the nation’s borders. We will also keep a close watch on those who endanger the security of the country,” he said.

Highlighting India’s historical role in sheltering persecuted communities, Shah stated, “India is a geo-cultural nation, not a geo-political nation. Persians came to India and are safe in the country today. The world’s smallest minority community is safe only in India. Jews fled from Israel and stayed here. During Prime Minister Modi’s tenure, people from six oppressed communities from neighbouring countries are taking refuge in the country through CAA.”

He also spoke about India’s growing global economic stature and its impact on immigration. “In the last ten years, India has become the fifth-largest economy and a bright spot among the world’s largest economies. India has become a hub for manufacturing, and it is natural for people from across the world to come here. However, the number of those seeking refuge for personal gain and causing instability has also increased. Be it Rohingyas or Bangladeshis, if they come to India to create unrest, strict action will be taken against them,” he added.

Shah further stressed that national security would not be compromised. “Those who pose a threat to national security will not be allowed to enter the country. The nation is not a ‘Dharamshala’ (free shelter). If someone comes here to contribute to the nation’s development, they are always welcome,” he said.