In a fiery address at a mega public rally in Kolkata, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted, "Nobody can prevent the Central Government from implementing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA)." Shah, a key BJP leader, criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, accusing it of engaging in "appeasement politics." He passionately urged the public to bring the BJP to power in the upcoming assembly polls.

Shah emphasized that the CAA is the "country’s law," underscoring the determination of the Narendra Modi-led Central government to implement it regardless of opposition. The statement reflects the government's commitment to executing the contentious citizenship law, which has been a focal point of political debates and protests. The address aimed to galvanize public support for the BJP and its stance on the CAA in the politically charged atmosphere of West Bengal.

Affirming the government's stance, Shah reiterated, "Citizenship (Amendment) Act is the country’s law, no one can stop it, and we will implement it." This resolute declaration underscores the unwavering commitment to implementing the CAA despite opposition.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, enacted on December 12, 2019, and enforced on January 10, 2020, is designed to offer citizenship to migrants from specific communities in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The eligible communities include Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Shah's address contextualizes the CAA within the broader political landscape of West Bengal. He accuses Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of contributing to political violence, corruption, and practicing appeasement politics, which he contends has led to the deterioration of the state. The critique forms part of the larger narrative aimed at mobilizing public opinion against the incumbent government.

Shah launched a scathing attack on Mamata Banerjee, asserting, "Mamata Didi came to power by removing the communists with the slogans of Sonar Bangla and Maa Mati Manush, but there was no change in Bengal." This critique aims at highlighting the perceived unfulfilled promises made by Banerjee during her ascent to power. Shah alleges that despite the change in leadership, issues like infiltration, appeasement, political violence, and corruption persist in Bengal.

Shah accused Banerjee of failing to address the issue of infiltration effectively. He claimed, "Mamata Banerjee has not been able to stop infiltration in Bengal. Voter cards and Aadhar cards are being distributed openly to infiltrators in the state, and Mamata Banerjee is sitting silent." This allegation is a significant part of the narrative against the incumbent government, emphasizing its perceived shortcomings in maintaining law and order.

The Union Home Minister predicted that the people of the state would retaliate for what he termed as the 'political murder' of BJP leaders in the 2026 assembly polls. He stated, "In the entire country, election violence is highest in Bengal. 212 BJP workers killed in West Bengal, people will avenge these murders with their votes in 2026 assembly polls as BJP will form a government with two-third majority in 2026." This projection aligns with the BJP's electoral strategy, positioning itself as the alternative and promising a decisive victory in the upcoming elections.

Shah accused the 'Trinamool syndicate' of obstructing the flow of funds allocated by PM Modi for the welfare of Bengal's poor. He stated, "Modi Ji sends lakhs of crores of rupees for ensuring welfare in Bengal, but the ‘syndicate raj’ in Bengal doesn’t allow the funds to reach the poor!" This accusation points to the BJP's narrative that the state's development is hindered by corruption and mismanagement under the current regime.

Highlighting the achievements of the BJP government at the Centre, Shah asserted that West Bengal lags in development due to Mamata Banerjee's governance. He credited Modi for various national accomplishments, including the eradication of terrorism, the abrogation of Article 370, and advancements in space exploration. Shah contended, "But West Bengal has been left behind because of didi’s (Mamata Banerjee) politics of appeasement." This claim positions Banerjee's policies as detrimental to the state's progress, contrasting it with the purported national advancements under Modi's leadership.

In this segment, Shah weaves a narrative that connects Bengal's alleged underdevelopment to the policies and actions of Mamata Banerjee. By framing the state's situation in the context of national achievements, he aims to build a case for the BJP as the party capable of steering Bengal toward greater progress.

Amit Shah emphatically conveyed the sentiment of the people, stating, "The people of Bengal are saying, ‘Didi, Aapka Samay Ab Samaapt Ho Chuka Hai’ (Didi, your time is up now!)." This expression signifies a call for a change in leadership, suggesting that Mamata Banerjee's tenure should conclude, and the electorate is ready for a new era under the BJP.

Shah made a heartfelt appeal to the citizens, urging them to choose the BJP government in the upcoming assembly elections. By underlining the substantial support the BJP has garnered in terms of votes and seats in previous elections, he highlighted the prevailing public desire for a political shift. Shah tied the success of the BJP in the 2026 assembly polls to the groundwork laid during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. By invoking Bengal's potential impact on national politics, he aimed to motivate voters to actively contribute to the BJP's growing influence.

Amit Shah articulated the significance of West Bengal in the BJP's political journey, stating, "The people of West Bengal have blessed the BJP with around 2.30 crore votes and 77 seats…their enthusiasm states clearly that they have decided to bring the BJP Government in 2026!" This acknowledgment of the substantial support reflects the party's growing influence in the state.

Shah delivered a strategic message, outlining a roadmap for the BJP's electoral success. He emphasized the critical role of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, asserting, "You should remember that in order to bring the BJP government to power here in 2026, you’ll have to lay its very foundation in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections." This forward-looking approach underscores the importance of the Lok Sabha polls as a stepping stone for the BJP's ambitions in West Bengal.

In a motivational appeal, Shah called upon the electorate to contribute significantly to the BJP's seat tally in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. By linking the party's success to the state's impact on national leadership, he urged voters to play a decisive role. The mention of Modi ji becoming PM due to Bengal serves as a powerful rallying cry, seeking to inspire voters to actively participate in shaping the nation's political landscape.

West Bengal: TMC leader promises to help Bangladeshi immigrants register for voting, video goes vira

In a controversial video that has gone viral, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Ratna Biswas, identified as an ex-Panchayat Pradhan, sparked a political furor. Her commitment to facilitate the enrollment of Bangladeshi immigrants into the electoral rolls of North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal stirred controversy ahead of the impending Lok Sabha elections.

Ratna Biswas was heard addressing a gathering, acknowledging the presence of many Bangladeshis in the area. In the video, she openly urged Bangladeshi immigrants to ensure their names are added to the voter list. Her specific directive to contact Zakir bhai for assistance and the urgency emphasized, stating, "This work should be done fast," raised concerns about the potential manipulation of the voter registration process.

The TMC leader's call to expedite the process and the assurance of assistance in enlisting names for voting purposes added fuel to the controversy. The video not only triggered debates about the ethics of such practices but also raised questions about the potential impact on the integrity of the electoral system in the region.

In response to the uproar caused by the controversial video, Jakir Hossain, the ex-chairman of the local Panchayat Samiti mentioned in the video, stepped forward to offer clarification. Hossain asserted that Ratna Biswas didn't intend her statement to be interpreted in a way that raised concerns. He sought to contextualize her words by emphasizing that a significant portion of the population in the area had arrived before 1960-65.

Hossain alleged that many individuals who were initially on the voter list before 1990 had been subsequently removed. Ratna Biswas, according to him, was referring to aiding those individuals in the correction of their voter list entries. He contended that the services provided, including voter list corrections, are conducted within the boundaries of the law, and Biswas' statement was misinterpreted as labeling all of them as Bangladeshi, which was not her intention.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly responded to the allegations against the Trinamool Congress, condemning their purported agenda to include Bangladeshis in the electoral rolls. State President Sukanta Majumdar voiced strong criticism, stating, "The ruling party Trinamool Congress is already doing this work of making such voter ID cards. The names of the infiltrators are added to the voter list." Majumdar went a step further, urging an official investigation into the matter to assess the validity of the claims and ensure electoral integrity.

In a related incident from May of the preceding year, an alarming revelation came to light concerning Alo Rani Sarkar, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader who had contested from the Bangaon Dakshin constituency. Contrary to her claims of Indian nationality, it was disclosed that Sarkar is, in fact, a Bangladeshi national, raising serious questions about the credibility and authenticity of individuals involved in the electoral process.

The intricate web of deception surrounding electoral processes in West Bengal further unraveled when Alo Rani Sarkar, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, contested the election results and the triumph of BJP leader Swapan Majumdar in the Bangaon Dakshin constituency. Seeking legal remedy, Sarkar approached the Calcutta High Court, presenting her case before Justice Bibek Chaudhuri.

However, the court's scrutiny uncovered damning revelations. Justice Chaudhuri pointed out that Alo Rani Sarkar was unequivocally a Bangladeshi national not only at the time of filing her nomination but also on the crucial dates of the election and the subsequent declaration of results. The court's observation, grounded in the petitioner's own documentation, left no room for ambiguity — Alo Rani Sarkar lacked the legitimate right to contest the assembly election of 2021.

This revelation not only exposed a shocking case of electoral fraud but also underscored the broader concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in West Bengal. The court's findings added fuel to the ongoing debate about the need for rigorous scrutiny and measures to safeguard the sanctity of elections in the state.

“As she is not a citizen of India, she shall not be qualified to be chosen to fill a seat in the legislature of a State in terms of Article 173 of the Constitution read with Section 16 of the Representation of People Act, 1950,” the Court emphasised.

In a decisive legal pronouncement, the Calcutta High Court, led by Justice Bibek Chaudhuri, underscored the glaring breach of electoral norms by Alo Rani Sarkar, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader who had contested from the Bangaon Dakshin constituency. The court's meticulous examination of her case revealed a damning reality — Sarkar, at the crucial junctures of filing nomination, election, and result declaration, was unequivocally a Bangladeshi national. The Court's assertion, firmly rooted in the constitutional framework, categorically stated that she lacked the essential qualification to vie for a seat in the legislature of a State as outlined in Article 173 of the Constitution, coupled with Section 16 of the Representation of People Act, 1950.

This revelation not only exposed a flagrant violation of electoral norms but also sounded alarm bells about the larger issue of compromised electoral integrity within West Bengal. It raised pertinent questions about the efficacy of existing mechanisms in preventing individuals with questionable citizenship status from influencing the democratic process. The court's decision, unequivocally stating that non-citizens have no legitimate claim to legislative seats, carried profound implications for future electoral practices in the state.

As the legal proceedings brought to light the extent of deception in West Bengal's electoral landscape, the episode amplified concerns over the need for stringent measures to safeguard the sanctity of elections. The court's unambiguous declaration, reinforced by constitutional provisions, served as a stark reminder of the imperative to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that those participating in the electoral process are bona fide citizens.

In conclusion, this case involving Alo Rani Sarkar sheds light on the intricate challenges facing the electoral framework in West Bengal. The need for robust mechanisms to verify and validate the citizenship status of aspiring candidates has gained renewed urgency. As Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphatically asserted regarding the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the legal and constitutional fabric must be upheld to secure the foundations of a transparent and credible democratic process. The court's findings underscored the importance of maintaining the sanctity of elections, reinforcing the idea that electoral participation is a privilege reserved exclusively for legitimate citizens.