Kolkata, Dec 30: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led government, alleging that “fear and corruption” have defined West Bengal for the past 14 years.

Shah questioned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the alleged influx of illegal immigrants into the state, accusing her government of refusing to provide land required for fencing along the India-Bangladesh border. He claimed that the Centre has been unable to complete border fencing due to the state government’s lack of cooperation.

Alleging that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government was facilitating infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals for electoral gains, Shah asserted that the BJP would identify and expel illegal immigrants once it comes to power in West Bengal.

Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Shah said residents of the state were deeply concerned about infiltration. “We will not only identify infiltrators, but also drive them out,” he said.

Expressing confidence about the future, Shah claimed that the BJP would form the government in West Bengal in 2026 with a two-thirds majority. He said a BJP-led government would put an end to infiltration from the eastern borders and work towards the revitalisation of the state.

Shah further alleged that the TMC had gone beyond the Left in promoting a politics of fear and violence. He said the people of West Bengal had decided to replace fear, corruption and misgovernance with good governance.

According to Shah, voters in the state are determined to elect a BJP government in the upcoming assembly elections that would restore Bengal’s legacy while prioritising development and “Gareeb Kalyan” (welfare of the poor). He again accused the Mamata Banerjee government of misgovernance and encouraging infiltration.