Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday sharpened his attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He accused her government of stopping border fencing work at a time when unrest in neighbouring Bangladesh has raised fears of infiltration.

His remarks come well ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for 2026. Shah signalled that the BJP plans an aggressive political campaign in the state.

Infiltration is a national security issue, says Shah

Addressing a public gathering, Shah said infiltration through West Bengal’s borders was not just a state-level concern. He called it a matter of national security.

He alleged that the Trinamool Congress government was not cooperating with the Centre on fencing along the Bangladesh border. According to Shah, fencing is essential to protect India’s security and cultural identity.

Shah said the Border Security Force cannot function effectively without complete fencing. He claimed that he had written seven letters to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asking for land to carry out the work. However, he alleged that her government failed to respond.

Questioning her position, Shah asked why she was unwilling to allow fencing and what she was “scared" of.

Shah attacks TMC’s long rule in Bengal

The Home Minister also criticised the Trinamool Congress for its 14 years in power. He claimed that West Bengal’s demography was going through a “dangerous phase."

Shah alleged that fake documents were being prepared in the state and said the TMC government was unable to control the situation.

He asserted that only a BJP-led government could seal Bengal’s borders and ensure national security. He said the Trinamool Congress lacked the ability to deal with infiltration and described the BJP as the only viable alternative.

Assurance to the Motua community

During his speech, Shah also addressed concerns of the Motua community. He assured them that they did not need to fear eviction or displacement.

He claimed that Mamata Banerjee could not force them out and promised continuity of welfare schemes under a BJP government.

“Not a single scheme will be shut once we come to power," Shah said.

Mamata Banerjee hits back

Reacting to Shah’s remarks, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rejected the allegations. She said West Bengal had already provided land for border fencing at Petrapol and Andal along the Bangladesh border.

She also questioned the BJP’s electoral prospects and took a sharp political swipe at the party.

“How many seats will BJP win in this election? The BJP can no longer claim ‘200-plus’. By winning Bengal, we will democratically drive them out of the country. Bengal will show the way," she said.