‘Won’t allow Babri Masjid on Bengal soil’: Amit Shah launches blistering attack on Mamata Banerjee

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday escalated the political battle in poll-bound West Bengal, launching a sharp offensive against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while making a series of high-impact promises aimed at consolidating voter support in North Bengal.

Addressing multiple rallies and leading a roadshow across Uttar Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, and Malda, Shah delivered a hard-hitting speech, declaring that the BJP would “never allow Babri Masjid to be built on Bengal’s land,” in a remark that is likely to further intensify the already polarised election discourse.

Directly targeting CM Banerjee, Shah alleged that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) was enabling forces that threaten the state’s identity and security. “Mamata’s time is over. BJP will not allow such agendas in Bengal,” he said, sharpening the BJP’s ideological pitch in the region.

The Union Home Minister’s remarks came as part of a packed campaign schedule that began with a roadshow in Kaliaganj and included rallies in Gangarampur, Tapan, Kaliyaganj, Manikchak, and Gazole.

Large crowds and heavy security marked the events as the BJP sought to project momentum in North Bengal.

Shah trained his guns on law and order, alleging that North Bengal has turned into a hub for illegal cross-border activities. “Gold smuggling and cattle smuggling are rampant through this region. Once the BJP forms the government, these will be completely stopped,” he asserted, while also accusing the state government of turning rivers like Punarbhaba into dumping grounds.

He further attacked the alleged “syndicate raj” in the state, claiming that ordinary citizens are forced to pay illegal levies for construction materials. “After May 5, those involved in syndicates will be punished and the system will be dismantled,” Shah warned, signalling a crackdown narrative central to the BJP’s campaign.

On the issue of illegal infiltration, Shah struck a strong note, promising decisive action.

“Infiltrators are a threat to national security and are taking away jobs and resources meant for citizens. Once the BJP comes to power, they will be removed,” he said, also accusing the Mamata government of stalling border fencing by withholding land.

Alongside his attacks, Shah unveiled an ambitious development roadmap for North Bengal.

He promised a major highway connecting Darjeeling to the Sundarbans, a new AIIMS facility in the region, and a 600-bed cancer hospital to address healthcare gaps.

In a bid to appeal to women voters, Shah announced a monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 for women and a one-time support of ₹21,000 for pregnant women.

He also promised reservations for women in government jobs, signalling a welfare-driven push to expand the BJP’s social base.

The BJP leader also pledged to establish premier educational institutions such as IIT and IIM in North Bengal, along with a sports university to boost youth opportunities.

Additionally, he promised to push for the inclusion of the Rajbanshi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and to set up an Adivasi university in the region.

As the campaign gathers pace, Shah’s aggressive rhetoric and expansive promises underline the BJP’s dual strategy of combining identity politics with welfare assurances, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral showdown in West Bengal.