Mamata accuses BSF of allowing infiltration to destabilize Bengal; border guards reject claims
Kolkata, Jan 2: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused the Border Security Force of facilitating infiltration from Bangladesh as part of a central government "blueprint" to destabilize the state, a charge the BSF denied, asserting it diligently guards the country's boundary.
Speaking at an administrative review meeting at the state secretariat, Banerjee alleged that the BSF was allowing infiltrators to enter through areas like Islampur, Sitai, and Chopra.
"We have information that the BSF is letting infiltrators enter India through various border areas. This is a deliberate attempt to destabilize the state. There is a deep-rooted conspiracy involving the central government," she said.
Banerjee said she could sense a "blueprint of the Centre" behind this attitude of the BSF.
"Goons are entering India. I want peace on both sides of the border. We have a good relationship with neighbouring Bangladesh," she said.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo further alleged that women were being tortured by the BSF.
"They (BSF) torture women, but why haven't you protested?" she asked officials present at the meeting.
Banerjee emphasized that border security was not the responsibility of the state.
"The guarding of borders is not in our hands. It's the BSF's duty. The Trinamool Congress doesn't guard the border. When people enter, where are they going? The DMs have information on where they are going," she said.
A senior BSF official in the eastern region dismissed the allegations, emphasizing that the border guarding force was performing its duties with utmost sincerity.
"The BSF has maintained a 24/7 vigil along the border. We are diligently performing our responsibilities to ensure the safety and security of the borders," the official told PTI on condition of anonymity.
Accusing the Centre of blaming the TMC unfairly for the infiltration issue, Banerjee said, "If someone thinks to destabilize the state and blame it on the Trinamool Congress, I will say it is not the TMC's fault, as border areas are controlled by the BSF. Some media channels are spreading this misinformation for TRPs."
The CM also raised concerns about the cessation of information sharing related to international arrivals.
"Granting visas is not in the state's jurisdiction; it is handled by the central government. We used to get the list of people taking flights to come here, but now that has been stopped. So, we don't know who is entering Bengal through international arrivals," she stated.
BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar called Banerjee’s claims baseless and accused her of attempting to shield her party's shortcomings.
"The chief minister has reached the height of delusion. Despite not providing land for border outposts, she blames the BSF and even her own administration's officials for infiltration. Her accusations are aimed at deflecting from her party's failures," Majumdar said in a post on X.
Banerjee directed Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar to investigate where infiltrators were staying after entering the state.
"I have told the Centre several times that we will follow their decisions. But if I see that someone is helping terrorism to disturb my state, then we will protest. That's why I will send a strong protest letter to the Centre," she added.
Referring to a recent bust of a fake passport racket by West Bengal Police, Banerjee said the arrests highlighted how the porous borders were being exploited.
"The passports were issued to people who illegally entered India from Bangladesh. This is another indication of the need for better coordination," she said.
Highlighting the cultural and linguistic ties with Bangladesh, Banerjee stressed her desire for peace.
"We have a good relationship with Bangladesh. People can come here for treatment, but we must be informed. I want peace on both sides of the border," she said.
India and Bangladesh share a 4,096-km border of which 2,217 KM is with West Bengal, much of which is porous. The issue has gained prominence amid heightened tension following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina from power in Dhaka and an influx of refugees into India.
Banerjee concluded by reiterating her commitment to opposing any attempt to destabilize the state.
"If anyone supports terror to disturb my state, we will protest strongly," she said.
The failed Chief Minister of the state, @MamataOfficial, has reached the ultimate level of delusion!
— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) January 2, 2025
Despite not providing land to set up outposts for border surveillance, she used to blame the Border Security Force (@BSF_India ) for illegal infiltration. But now, crossing all… pic.twitter.com/Jwzk0oAzwF
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If Bumrah is not fit then a score of around 200 also might not be enough: Gavaskar
Sydney, Jan 4: Batting great Sunil Gavaskar feels India will struggle to defend even 200 in case premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah is unable to bowl at full throttle on the third day of the fifth and final Test against Australia here on Sunday.
Bumrah had left the field for scans during the second day's post-lunch session after bowling just one over, having experienced some discomfort. However, he returned to the dressing room after undergoing precautionary scans for an unspecified niggle.
India pacer Prasidh Krishna said his skipper had suffered back spasm.
The medical team was monitoring him as India ended the day 145 runs in front with four second innings wickets left on a SCG track which is aiding the bowlers.
"Look, if India scores 40 more runs or they put 185 on the board then they have a great chance but it all depends on Jasprit Bumrah's fitness. If Jasprit Bumrah is fit then 145-150 might be enough. But if Bumrah is not fit then a score of around 200 also might not be enough," said Gavaskar on Star Sports on Saturday.
Gavaskar also said maintaining secrecy around Bumrah's status is not going to help the Australians, who have so far struggled to counter the threat posed by the Indian pace spearhead.
"One thing that I liked was when he came back after the scan, obviously it took a lot of time because the hospital is a bit far, but he looked in good shape and his body language was such that there was no indication of the Australian team and it is very important to maintain the secrecy.
"Because, tactically you do not want to announce whether Bumrah will be available for bowling or not, and even if he is not available and this news goes across the opposition dressing room because till now Australian batsmen haven't found out a way to counter him, they don’t know whether they should attack, defend, or whether they should play on front-foot.
"So to execute this plan it is important to maintain secrecy, so Bumrah and the Indian team management managed it quite well," Gavaskar said.
The pacer has already taken 32 wickets in the series, and had figures of 2/33 in 10 overs before leaving the field, having removed Marnus Labuschagne in the morning session and Usman Khawaja on the last ball of the first evening.
