Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a press conference in Kolkata on December 30, 2025. During the conference, he launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal, leveling serious allegations on issues such as infiltration, corruption, misgovernance, and women's safety.

Netaji and Bengal's Legacy

Describing this day as one of historical significance, Shah recalled that exactly 82 years ago, on December 30, 1943, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the tricolor of independent India for the first time in Port Blair. This was a significant milestone in the freedom struggle, deeply rooted in Bengal. Shah said that while this day is a proud moment for all Indians, the current situation in West Bengal is worrisome.

Accusing the Mamata Banerjee government of encouraging Bangladeshi infiltration

The Home Minister said that the Mamata Banerjee government is encouraging Bangladeshi infiltration for electoral gain. He alleged that the state government is not providing land for border fencing, even though infiltration has been stopped in Assam and Tripura.

The Home Minister stressed that infiltration is dangerously altering the demography of Bengal. The BJP assures the people of Bengal that infiltration will be completely stopped as soon as a BJP government is formed in the state under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. To achieve this, a strong national grid will be established, beyond which not only humans but even birds will be able to fly. Infiltrators will be identified and selectively expelled.

Questions on Women's Safety

On the issue of women's safety, Shah questioned the Mamata Banerjee government's failure. Referring to cases like the Sandeshkhali incident and the RG Kar Hospital rape case, he said that women are not receiving security in the state. Speaking on the situation of the Hindu community, he said that the hearts of Hindus in Bengal are deeply wounded and that applying ointment will no longer be sufficient. The time has come to remove the communal government.

Attack on Corruption and Development

Attacking corruption and development, Shah said that development has stalled due to syndicate rule and toll collection under the TMC regime. Central welfare schemes are falling prey to syndicates here. Schemes like Ayushman Bharat were not implemented, causing harm to farmers and the poor. Previously, Bengal had symbols of development like steel plants, ports, and universities, but the Communists and then the Mamata Banerjee government ruined the state.

The BJP's Growing Support Base in Bengal

Referring to the BJP's growing strength, Shah said that it received 17% of the vote and two seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, 10% of the vote and three seats in the 2016 Assembly elections, 41% of the vote and 18 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, 38% of the vote and 77 seats in the 2021 Assembly elections, and 39% of the vote and 12 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While the Congress and the Left were reduced to zero, the BJP emerged as the main opposition. He claimed that the BJP would form the government with a landslide, a two-thirds majority, in the 2026 Assembly elections.

Promise of Legacy and the Future

Shah promised that Bengal's legacy would be revived as soon as the BJP government is formed. The Bengal of Vivekananda, Bankim Chandra, Rabindranath Tagore, and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee's dreams will be created. The Ganga of development will flow again, the welfare of the poor will be prioritized, and there will be a revival of Bengali pride and culture.

Five key points from the press conference

On infiltration: This is a matter of national security. The BJP government will expel infiltrators and build a strong grid.

Women's safety and Hindu status: The government failed in cases like Sandeshkhali. Atrocities against Hindus will stop.

On central schemes: The TMC blocked Modi schemes, and syndicates took over.

Development and corruption: Development has stalled in the state, fear and corruption have become the hallmarks. The BJP will end these.

2026 elections: The BJP will form a government with a two-thirds majority, giving Bengal a new direction.

This press conference signals the BJP's strategy for the 2026 elections, where infiltration, security, and development will be key issues.