Amit Shah Vows Citizenship Protection for Hindu Refugees in West Bengal
Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a strong political message on Monday, assuring that no Hindu refugee would lose citizenship in West Bengal while launching a sharp critique against the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government for its opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Political Battle Heats Up Ahead of State Elections
Addressing a gathering at the 'Parivartan Yatra Sabha' in Mathurapur, Shah emphasized that West Bengal is set to go to polls this year, with infiltration and citizenship issues emerging as key political flashpoints. The stage is being set for a heated contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling TMC.
"They opposed the CAA. If Mamata Banerjee had not opposed the CAA, each and every Bangladeshi refugee would have got citizenship," Shah stated. "But I have come to tell all the Hindu refugees that you don't have to worry. The BJP government is here for you. Not a single Hindu refugee is going to lose their citizenship."
Babri Masjid Controversy and Allegations of Appeasement Politics
Shah further escalated his attack by highlighting the Babri Masjid issue, calling Mamata Banerjee's move to remove Humayun Kabir—who has promised to build the mosque in the state—a "conspiracy."
"Mamata Didi, in your Bengal, the Babri Mosque is being built again. Whose responsibility is it? Should the Babri Mosque be built again? Humayun Kabir and Mamata are the same. Mamata Banerjee has conspired to send Humayun Kabir out of the party and build the Babri Mosque, so that Hindus do not get angry," Shah alleged.
He accused the TMC government of engaging in "appeasement politics" by promising to build temples, claiming they filled Bengal with infiltrators to secure their vote bank. "Apart from appeasement, Didi does nothing. Now they are thinking of building a temple. Mamata Didi, we have built the Ram Mandir. We built the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and the Mahakaal Corridor. You did nothing at that time. Now, you wanted to make the temple," Shah said.
He added, "The people of Bengal will not be deceived by you. But I welcome the building of a temple despite the purpose behind it."
Parivartan Yatra: BJP's Massive Outreach Drive
The Parivartan Yatra is a large-scale, state-wide outreach drive in the run-up to the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. It is slated to span more than 5,000 kilometres, featuring 63 major public meetings and 282 smaller events. The yatra will conclude with a mega rally at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground, to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This extensive campaign underscores the BJP's strategic focus on West Bengal, aiming to consolidate support and address key voter concerns ahead of the electoral battle.
