Is the Centre Truly Responsible for Infiltration, Not Mamata?

New Delhi, June 2 (NationPress) The Congress party responded sharply to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's allegations, which claimed that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was enabling infiltration from Bangladesh. Senior party figure Rashid Alvi emphasized that the duty of securing national borders lies with the Central government, not the state authorities.

During his recent two-day visit to West Bengal, Amit Shah, while addressing the Vijay Sankalp Karyakarta Sammelan, accused Mamata Banerjee of permitting unchecked infiltration for political benefits.

"Mamata Banerjee has effectively opened the nation’s borders to Bangladeshis and is allowing infiltration. Only a Lotus government can halt this," he asserted. Shah further alleged that Banerjee was obstructing the provision of land for border fencing, insinuating it was a tactic to preserve her voter base and position her nephew as her successor.

In response to Shah's remarks, Rashid Alvi stated to IANS: "Is Mamata Banerjee in charge of securing India’s borders, or is that the responsibility of the Indian government? Who oversees border security? If individuals are entering India illegally, the Central government should bear the blame, not Mamata. She does not control border patrols—(PM) Modi's government does."

On the government's recent claims following Operation Sindoor, which reportedly resulted in the deportation of 2,000 Bangladeshis, Alvi noted that this number was minuscule compared to the broader issue at hand.

"If lakhs of individuals have entered from Myanmar and Bangladesh as stated, sending back merely 2,000 is trivial. The Supreme Court has unequivocally stated that India is not a dharamshala where anyone can enter and settle. All who have entered illegally must be sent back. Even the US deports illegal immigrants, often in handcuffs—we should do it with respect," he remarked.

When questioned about Congress MPs like Shashi Tharoor and Salman Khurshid, who have expressed praise for the Modi government during recent international delegations, Alvi responded: "Those representing India in official delegations do so as representatives of the nation, not their party. However, if any Congress leader commends the BJP at the cost of the Congress, action should be taken. Such actions weaken the party. As the saying goes, the house is set ablaze by its own lamp. Some of our leaders are undermining Congress from within. The BJP shows no respect for those who switch parties—most are sidelined thereafter."

Regarding Khurshid’s commendation of PM Modi's handling of Article 370, Alvi asserted: "I vehemently disagree with him. His participation in the delegation may have been to clarify India’s stance globally, but his statements seem to endorse the BJP's policies. Since the abrogation of Article 370, terrorism has surged in Kashmir. The Pulwama attack occurred, and Pahalgam has become a hotspot. We even had to conduct strikes within Pakistan. What development has transpired since the abrogation? How many five-star hotels or factories have been established? There has been no improvement in development or the situation on the ground. If Article 370 was to be removed, it should have been done with the confidence and involvement of the Kashmiri people—not by incarcerating them."

When asked whether Congress should take disciplinary actions against such leaders, Alvi remarked: "That is for the Congress high command to determine. While I disagree with their statements, I am not personally calling for action. If their remarks contradict the party’s policies, appropriate decisions should be made."

On Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s critique of PM Modi’s speeches following Operation Sindoor, Alvi stated: "Sindoor runs in PM Modi’s veins? That’s an unfortunate choice of words. At a time when the entire nation rallied behind him, he opted to extract political capital from it. PM Modi should refrain from such rhetoric. Whether it’s PM Modi or Amit Shah, both are attempting to gain politically from military actions, misleading the nation."

In reaction to Rahul Gandhi’s inquiry about aircraft losses during the operation, Alvi insisted that the government must provide clarity.

“Every citizen has the right to know. If aircraft were lost or soldiers died, the public deserves transparency. Even the Army chief has provided details to agencies. Why is the government concealing this information? We missed the chance to hold Pakistan accountable. PM Modi claimed we’d eliminate terrorists in their homes—then why is Masood Azhar still alive? A few airstrikes do not change the situation; we must address the root of terrorism," he concluded.

On the arrest of influencer and law student Sharmishta Panoli, who was placed in 14 days’ judicial custody over a controversial video allegedly offending religious sentiments, Alvi remarked: "Over the past 11 years, the BJP and RSS have cultivated an atmosphere that targets Islam. India has historically respected all religions. Recall the international backlash following a BJP spokesperson’s comments. In this context, actions against those inciting communal discord are warranted."