Kolkata: In a strong stance on illegal immigration, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has declared that no public money will be spent on keeping alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators in state jails. He has urged them to leave the state immediately before the government initiates stricter measures.
Speaking on the issue, Adhikari emphasised that identified infiltrators should not be provided free food, accommodation, or medical care at taxpayers’ expense. “They should leave quickly… run away before we take action,” he said, directing officials to implement the “Detect, Delete, and Deport” policy effectively.
Under the new directives, holding centres are being set up across all districts for individuals awaiting deportation. The government plans to hand over detainees directly to the Border Security Force (BSF) for swift deportation instead of prolonging cases through lengthy judicial processes. The policy invokes provisions of the Foreigners Act.
Adhikari noted that Bangladesh has shown willingness to accept its citizens back, adding that it is not West Bengal’s responsibility to shelter illegal immigrants. The remarks come shortly after the BJP’s victory in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, which ended the Trinamool Congress’s long-standing rule.
The Chief Minister has long highlighted the issue of large-scale infiltration from Bangladesh, claiming it has led to significant demographic changes in border districts. His government is also focusing on revising voter lists and strengthening border security.
Mixed Reactions
The announcement has received support from those who view it as a necessary step to protect state resources, ensure national security, and uphold the rule of law. Supporters argue that illegal immigration puts pressure on local jobs, land, and public services.
However, critics have raised concerns that the drive could inadvertently target genuine Indian citizens, particularly from minority communities, and may lead to communal tensions if not implemented with proper safeguards and due process.
This development is part of a larger national conversation around border management, illegal immigration, and the implementation of laws like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Reports suggest that following Adhikari’s statements, some alleged infiltrators have begun attempting to return to Bangladesh.
The West Bengal government is expected to release further guidelines on the identification and deportation process in the coming days.
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