TMC backing infiltration, endangering Bengal's identity: PM Modi slams Mamata govt

Addressing a mega rally in Durgapur, Modi asserted the "infiltrators will be dealt with according to the Constitution", amid Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's protests against the "harassment" of Bengali migrants in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states.

The Prime Minister accused the TMC of issuing "fake identity cards" to the infiltrators.

"For the BJP, Bengali identity is paramount. But what is happening here? Trinamool is endangering Bengal’s unique culture for its own interests. They are allowing infiltrators in, issuing them fake identity cards.

"They have created an entire ecosystem that is harming both the country and Bengal. In their pursuit of appeasement, they have crossed all limits. They are even taking to the streets in support of infiltrators. They are threatening the Constitution and constitutional institutions of the country," said the Prime Minister.

In a strict message from the 'Steel City of West Bengal', Modi invoked Maa Durga and said everyone who is an infiltrator will be dealt with legally.

"But from the sacred land of Maa Durga, I want to say this clearly: those who are not citizens of India, who have entered illegally, will be dealt with according to the Constitution of India and through legal means. The BJP will not allow any conspiracy against Bengali identity to succeed. This is Modi’s guarantee," said the Prime Minister. 

In a sharp counter, the TMC has pinned the blame on the central government for the infiltration.

TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, "Why didn't he raise the infiltration issue in Tripura, Assam or Bihar but only in Bengal. It's the central government's failure that illegal immigrants entered the country. What were BSF, who are under the Centre, doing when infiltrations were happening."

Mamata protests against 'harassment' of Bengali migrants in BJP-ruled states

Mamata Banerjee, who also heads the TMC, on Wednesday held a three-kilometer march in Kolkata protesting against the 'harassment' of Bengali migrants in BJP-ruled states.

Mamata has accused the administration in BJP-ruled states of labelling Bengali-speaking people as Bangladeshis and detaining them.

The Chief Minister said, "I can speak in whichever language I want. Why are you torturing Bengalis? People are being arrested suddenly, even after showing their documents. They have old mothers and families. What was their fault? Just speaking in Bengali?"

"I will travel across the country and speak in Bengali. Put me in jail," Mamata dared.