The West Bengal government said it has deported around 4,800 illegal immigrants to Bangladesh from holding centres in border districts. Officials said another 836 people remain in custody and are waiting for deportation.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari shared the figures on Sunday during a preparatory meeting for the BJP’s special training camp. He said border security and illegal immigration remain key priorities for the party.
Government Steps Up Action on Illegal Immigration
Adhikari said the government is taking strict action against illegal immigration. He stated that authorities are following Union government guidelines while identifying and deporting undocumented immigrants. He said officials hand over people who do not qualify under the Citizenship Amendment Act directly to the Border Security Force.
He also accused previous governments of failing to act against illegal immigration despite having legal provisions in place. “Around 4,800 illegal immigrants have been sent back from holding centres in border districts, while 836 are awaiting deportation,” he said.
Focus Returns to India-Bangladesh Border
The remarks come as attention returns to the India-Bangladesh border and the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, often called the Chicken’s Neck. This narrow land corridor connects India's northeastern states with the rest of the country. Security agencies consider it a vital link.
Adhikari claimed that stronger enforcement measures have already produced results.
Some Left Voluntarily, Claims Adhikari
Referring to the Hakimpur border area in North 24 Parganas district, Adhikari said several undocumented immigrants left on their own after authorities increased monitoring and enforcement.
He suggested that the tougher approach has discouraged illegal settlement in border areas.
Census Survey to Start in August
Adhikari said demographic change has become a major political issue in West Bengal. He also described infiltration from Bangladesh as an important issue in the BJP’s Assembly election campaign. He announced that census-related work has already begun.
Officials will conduct a door-to-door survey between August 1 and August 15, he said. According to Adhikari, authorities expect to complete the census process by the end of February next year. They will begin delimitation after that exercise ends.
Government Highlights Welfare Scheme
Adhikari also highlighted the state's welfare programmes. He said the government has provided Rs 3,000 each to 50 lakh women under the Annapurna Yojana. The BJP introduced the scheme after promising higher financial assistance than the previous government's Lakshmir Bhandar programme.
He added that more than 28 lakh women received the benefit on the first day of the rollout.
Verification Drive Targets Irregularities
Adhikari defended the verification process used to identify beneficiaries. He said authorities must verify records properly before distributing public funds. He alleged that around 27 lakh names listed under Lakshmir Bhandar did not appear on electoral rolls. He also claimed that nearly three lakh men received benefits under a scheme meant only for women.
Calling the alleged irregularities “dangerous corruption”, Adhikari said the verification drive would improve transparency and ensure that benefits reach eligible people.