West Bengal Deports Thousands of Illegal Immigrants
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that approximately 4,800 illegal immigrants have been deported to Bangladesh from holding centres in the state’s border districts, with 836 more currently awaiting repatriation. Speaking at a preparatory meeting for the BJP’s special training camp, Adhikari emphasized that tackling illegal immigration and securing the India-Bangladesh border remain top priorities for his government.
Adhikari detailed that the state has handed over land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for fencing around 100 km of border out of the 556 km stretch still requiring barriers. Priority has been given to the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chicken’s Neck, connecting the northeastern states with the rest of India. The CM claimed that undocumented immigrants have been voluntarily leaving the state following enforcement measures.
Focus on Border Fencing, Census, and Demographic Verification
Illegal immigrants not covered under the Citizenship Amendment Act are being handed over directly to the BSF in compliance with Union government regulations. Adhikari alleged that the previous Trinamool government had failed to act against infiltration, allowing illegal immigrants to remain in state facilities at public expense.
The chief minister highlighted that the state has begun census-related work, with a house-to-house survey scheduled from August 1 to 15. The census exercise is expected to conclude by the end of February 2027 and will be followed by delimitation. Adhikari also linked demographic changes in the state to political issues, claiming that infiltration from Bangladesh was a major factor in the BJP’s recent Assembly election success.
Welfare Initiatives and Governance Reforms
Apart from border security, Adhikari highlighted welfare measures undertaken by his government, including the Annapurna Yojana. Under this scheme, 50 lakh women have received Rs 3,000 each, expanding on the previous Lakshmir Bhandar program. He emphasized the importance of verification, noting that around 27 lakh names under the earlier scheme were not found on electoral rolls, and nearly three lakh men had wrongly availed benefits.
The CM also addressed alleged corruption under the prior Trinamool government, claiming numerous criminal cases had been registered against leaders, MLAs, and councillors. He announced additional welfare measures in the upcoming state Budget on June 22, including subsidized fish meals, healthcare improvements through the Ayushman Bharat scheme covering 1.46 crore families, and funding under the National Health Mission. Employment programs such as the 125-day work guarantee and PM Awaas Yojana will be accelerated, alongside announcements on dearness allowance adjustments for state employees and pensioners.
The deportation drive, combined with border fencing, census verification, and welfare reforms, reflects the state government’s dual focus on security and governance. While enforcement against illegal immigration is emphasized, the administration is concurrently prioritizing social welfare, healthcare, and employment programs to strengthen public trust and accountability. The upcoming months will test the government’s ability to implement these initiatives effectively while maintaining political stability and public confidence.
