Bhubaneswar, Dec 3 (NationPress) In the midst of a determined effort to address the issue of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants residing in Odisha, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took to task Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Tuesday. This came in response to her claims that the Nayagarh police had “unlawfully expelled” four Bengali immigrants from the district.

BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal sharply criticized the Trinamool MP on Wednesday, questioning her motives for showing sympathy towards Bangladeshi infiltrators. He remarked, “The citizens of Odisha do not require guidance from any anti-national individuals. The Trinamool Congress has consistently shielded illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, compromising the internal security of our nation.”

Biswal emphasized that the Odisha government is committed to eliminating illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators from the state and that the local police are diligently fulfilling their responsibilities.

“The Trinamool MP ought to concentrate on her own state. The people of Odisha will handle their own affairs. False accusations that jeopardize the friendly ties between Odisha and West Bengal are unwarranted. All Bangladeshi infiltrators in Odisha will be identified and removed,” he added.

In parallel, senior Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Das stated that the government should have gathered adequate data before making such a sensitive decision. He also pointed out that not every Bengali speaker is a Bangladeshi.

“It is unjust to label every Bengali-speaking individual as a Bangladeshi. Only those who are engaging in criminal activities or are illegally present should be identified. Genuine residents and workers should not face harassment,” Das asserted.

He further advocated for a fair survey and proper documentation, ensuring that those who are legitimately residing and working are permitted to stay.

Notably, earlier in the day, Moitra stated that four immigrants from the neighboring state of West Bengal were unlawfully expelled from Nayagarh district by the police on November 27.

“Attention @DGPOdisha @spnayagarh — you have illegally expelled four Bengali-speaking Indian citizens from Nayagarh district solely because they were Bengalis. There are numerous Odia cooks, gardeners, plumbers, and others working in Bengal whom we treat with respect and kindness. Your actions will have consequences. Be cautious,” Moitra expressed on her X handle.

In a video message shared on her X account, she claimed that the four impoverished Bengali migrants originated from Sagarpara village in the Jalangi Assembly constituency, located in the Domkal subdivision of Murshidabad district, West Bengal, and had been living and earning a livelihood in Nayagarh for the past 18 years. Some of their fathers had previously worked in Nayagarh as well.

The Trinamool MP also threatened to pursue legal action against the Odisha DGP and Nayagarh SP S. Susree regarding this issue.