Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament Jagannath Sarkar from Ranaghat has stirred controversy by stating that the barbed wire fence between India and Bangladesh would no longer be needed if his party comes to power in West Bengal. On October 30, during an address to party workers in Krishnaganj, Sarkar was recorded saying both nations were once one and would become one again. After the video went viral on Saturday, Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee criticized the BJP for hypocrisy, noting Union Home Minister Amit Shah blames the state government for border protection while a BJP MP wants to erase borders. On Sunday, Sarkar reiterated his statement, clarifying he was referring to West Bengal's future prosperity that would attract Bangladesh. His comments highlight the political tightrope the BJP walks in Bengal, balancing anti-infiltration rhetoric with sensitivity toward the Matua community ahead of state elections.
MP Explains His Border Statement
On Sunday, Sarkar told The Indian Express his stand remained unchanged. He clarified that currently, a barbed wire border with Bangladesh is necessary. However, once BJP assumes power in West Bengal and the state achieves prosperity, the fence would become unnecessary. He explained that before Partition, the regions were united and would economically converge again. Sarkar said Bangladesh shares the same language and culture, and witnessing West Bengal's development under BJP rule, Bangladesh would want to join, making physical borders redundant. He emphasized his vision of restoring Bengal as Shonar Bangla (Golden Bengal) through development, causing the neighboring country to economically lag behind.
Political Fallout and Party Dilemma
Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee attacked the BJP leadership for hypocrisy, highlighting that while Home Minister Amit Shah blames the West Bengal government for not providing land to protect borders, a BJP MP advocates erasing them entirely. Banerjee stated BJP's silence indicates Sarkar spoke with top leadership consent. Meanwhile, BJP leaders stayed silent, with MLA Agnimitra Paul saying senior leaders would address the matter. Sarkar's statement comes amid tension over Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which BJP supports to remove infiltrators while TMC calls it backdoor implementation of the National Register of Citizens. The controversy underscores BJP's balancing act between anti-infiltration messaging and retaining Matua community support.
Source: Link