Addressing a political rally in Hooghly, West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Trinamool Congress government of endangering national security by allegedly protecting infiltrators for electoral gains, intensifying political rhetoric ahead of elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, accusing it of compromising national security by allegedly shielding infiltrators to preserve its vote bank.

Speaking at a rally in Singur, Hooghly district, the Prime Minister claimed that illegal infiltration had been encouraged under the state government’s watch, posing risks to law and order, livelihoods, and internal security.

Framing the issue as one of national importance rather than regional politics, Modi said that security could not be sacrificed for electoral gains.

He asserted that the state was witnessing what he described as a “maha jungle raj”, where governance had weakened and criminal elements were emboldened.

Urging voters to bring political change, the Prime Minister said only a “double-engine government” could ensure safety, development, and effective border management in the state.

BJP Flags Border Security and Governance Concerns

During his address, PM Modi alleged that repeated attempts by the central government to strengthen border fencing and curb illegal immigration had been obstructed by the state administration. He claimed that infiltrators had entered West Bengal using forged documents and were being allowed to settle for political considerations.

Senior BJP leaders echoed the Prime Minister’s remarks, describing infiltration as a serious national security threat with long-term consequences.

According to the party, unchecked migration not only strains public resources but also affects employment opportunities for local residents and undermines public safety. The BJP has consistently argued that stronger coordination between the Centre and the state is essential to secure borders and ensure proper identification of undocumented migrants.

The party further accused the TMC of failing to maintain law and order, alleging that criminal networks thrive under political patronage. These claims have been a recurring theme in BJP’s campaign strategy in West Bengal, especially during election seasons.

TMC Rejects Charges, Calls Remarks Divisive

The Trinamool Congress strongly rejected the Prime Minister’s allegations, calling them politically motivated and misleading. Party leaders accused the BJP of attempting to polarise voters by stoking fear and targeting vulnerable communities.

The TMC has maintained that migration and border security fall largely under the Centre’s jurisdiction and that blaming the state government diverts attention from the Centre’s own responsibilities.

TMC leaders also highlighted the state’s welfare programmes, including Lakshmir Bhandar and other social security schemes, arguing that the BJP’s focus on infiltration narratives ignores everyday governance and development issues.

According to the party, the Centre has repeatedly withheld funds meant for welfare and infrastructure projects, adversely affecting the state’s growth.

Abhishek Banerjee, a senior TMC leader, has previously stated that welfare initiatives are not acts of charity but constitutional entitlements, and alleged that the BJP seeks to dismantle these schemes by spreading misinformation and mistrust.

Migration and Security: A Long-Running Political Flashpoint

The issue of infiltration has long been a politically sensitive subject in West Bengal, particularly in border districts. Over the years, it has frequently surfaced during election campaigns, with the BJP portraying it as a national security challenge and the TMC viewing it as a divisive narrative that targets minorities and migrants.

The debate has also intersected with discussions around citizenship, voter identity, and refugee rights. While the BJP has promised firm action against illegal immigration, it has simultaneously sought to reassure refugee communities that constitutional safeguards would remain intact. The TMC, meanwhile, has accused the BJP of creating confusion and fear through selective narratives.

Recent controversies around voter roll revisions and allegations of wrongful deletions have further intensified tensions between the two parties, deepening mistrust ahead of the upcoming electoral battles.

Electoral Stakes and Escalating Rhetoric

PM Modi’s remarks in Hooghly come as political campaigning gathers pace in the state, with both national and regional parties sharpening their messaging.

For the BJP, projecting strong leadership on national security and governance remains central to its electoral pitch. For the TMC, defending its administrative record and welfare initiatives is key to retaining public confidence.

Political analysts note that such rhetoric reflects broader national trends, where issues of security, identity, and governance increasingly dominate public discourse.

While these themes resonate with sections of the electorate, they also risk overshadowing nuanced discussions on development, employment, healthcare, and education.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

National security is undeniably a serious concern that demands transparency, coordination, and evidence-based policymaking.

However, it must not become a tool for political polarisation or social division.

Allegations of infiltration and governance failures should be addressed through constitutional processes, independent investigations, and cooperative federalism rather than charged rhetoric.

A healthy democracy thrives on informed debate, empathy, and accountability—values that foster trust rather than fear.