Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said peace in West Bengal can only be ensured by stopping cross-border infiltration from Bangladesh. Shah, addressing a public event at Petrapole land port along the India-Bangladesh border, stressed that the Bharatiya Janata Party is committed to ending illegal immigration if it comes to power in the state after the 2026 assembly elections.

“Infiltration must stop to bring peace to Bengal,” Shah remarked, urging residents to usher in political change in 2026. Criticizing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, he linked issues of corruption and uncontrolled immigration to the lack of governance in the state.

Speaking on the importance of land ports, Shah said, “Land ports are essential for improving connectivity and trade relations between nations. However, when legal avenues of movement are restricted, illegal immigration takes over, undermining peace.” He said the BJP administration would ensure that infiltration is curbed and law and order is restored.

The Home Minister inaugurated a new passenger terminal and cargo gate at Petrapole Port, highlighting the port’s role in strengthening trade relations between India and Bangladesh. The Petrapole-Benapole road is a vital trade corridor, facilitating significant trade between the two countries.

Shah’s remarks come amid the BJP’s ongoing efforts to consolidate support in West Bengal for the 2026 elections, positioning cross-border infiltration and national security as key election issues.