BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar from Ranaghat has caused controversy by suggesting that barbed-wire fencing between India and Bangladesh should be removed if his party wins power in West Bengal. In a video from October 30, Sarkar told party workers that the two nations were once united and would become one again. He later clarified that his remarks were about future prosperity, claiming Bangladesh would want to join India after witnessing West Bengal's development under BJP rule. The statement drew sharp criticism from TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, who accused the BJP of hypocrisy while the Union Home Minister demands border protection. The comment comes amid heated debate over electoral roll revision, which BJP supports to identify infiltrators but TMC opposes as backdoor NRC implementation. The controversy highlights BJP's delicate balancing act between anti-infiltration messaging and maintaining support among the Matua community, many of whom have cross-border origins.
MP Defends Statement on Border Removal
Sarkar stood by his remarks, explaining he meant that once BJP governs West Bengal, the state would become so prosperous that Bangladesh would naturally wish to reunite. He referenced the pre-Partition era when both regions formed one territory, adding that West Bengal would regain its status as 'Shonar Bangla' (Golden Bengal). The MP argued that shared language and culture would make Bangladeshis desire integration after seeing development across the border. He denied divisive politics, claiming BJP focuses on development for all communities. However, senior BJP leaders remained silent on the issue, with party colleagues offering only brief responses. The remarks come as BJP attempts to address concerns within the Matua community regarding citizenship verification processes while maintaining its stance against illegal immigration.
Political Challenge for BJP in West Bengal
The statement reveals BJP's difficult position in West Bengal politics as state elections approach. While the party supports Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to identify infiltrators from Bangladesh, Sarkar's comments appear to contradict this anti-infiltration narrative. TMC has labeled SIR as backdoor implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), creating anxiety among Matua voters who helped BJP win 18 Lok Sabha seats in 2019. The community's support has since declined, with TMC regaining ground despite BJP's promotion of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). BJP previously tried using the infiltration issue in Jharkhand elections without success. Now, as Bihar votes in November, the party revives similar messaging while carefully avoiding alienating Matuas, whose electoral importance remains crucial.
Source: Link