Immigration – West Bengal Government Signals Crackdown on Illegal Border Infiltration
Immigration – West Bengal’s newly appointed Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday announced that his government would begin identifying individuals allegedly residing illegally in the state and take steps for their deportation through the Border Security Force (BSF). The statement came during his first official visit to New Delhi after assuming office.
Speaking to reporters at Banga Bhawan, Adhikari said the state administration was preparing to strengthen border-related monitoring and ensure that those found to have entered the country unlawfully would be sent back to their countries of origin through proper legal procedures. He described the move as part of a broader effort to improve governance and administrative accountability across the state.
Meetings With Top National Leaders
During his visit to the national capital, the chief minister met several senior constitutional and political leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP leadership representatives.
Following these meetings, Adhikari expressed confidence that closer coordination with the Centre would help accelerate infrastructure growth and welfare implementation in West Bengal. He stated that his administration intended to ensure smoother execution of central government programmes in the state.
Focus on Welfare Schemes and Development
The chief minister said several flagship schemes sponsored by the Union government were now being implemented more actively under the present administration. He also indicated that the Ayushman Bharat health insurance programme could soon be introduced in West Bengal, a move that may expand healthcare access for economically weaker sections.
Adhikari further stressed that development projects linked to river conservation and infrastructure would receive priority attention. According to him, West Bengal is expected to receive support and funding under the Namami Gange programme aimed at improving river ecosystems and related civic infrastructure.
He added that agriculture and rural sectors would also receive additional budgetary support, which he claimed would help strengthen the state’s economy and improve livelihood opportunities in farming regions.
Strategic Importance of the ‘Chicken’s Neck’ Region
The chief minister also spoke about the strategically significant Siliguri Corridor, commonly referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck,” which connects northeastern India with the rest of the country. He said the region could be transferred to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for further infrastructure development and strategic planning.
According to Adhikari, improving road connectivity and strengthening logistics in the corridor are considered essential for both economic and national security interests. He noted that the state government intended to continue implementing promises made in the BJP’s election manifesto, which he described as central to the administration’s policy direction.
Cabinet Expansion Likely Soon
Apart from development and security issues, Adhikari also confirmed that an expansion of the West Bengal cabinet would take place in the near future. However, he did not specify the timeline or indicate which leaders could be included in the reshuffle.
The chief minister also commented on ongoing investigations by central agencies, saying that institutions such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were carrying out their responsibilities independently and in accordance with the law.
The Delhi visit is being viewed as an important step in establishing coordination between the state and the Centre as the new government in West Bengal begins shaping its administrative priorities for the coming months.