Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews,
October 27, 2024, Kolkata : Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a state-of-the-art passenger terminal at Petrapol port on Sunday, signaling the start of what he claims will be a period of positive transformation for West Bengal. In his address, Shah assured citizens that “Achche din [better days] are not far away” and will begin in earnest from 2026, the year of the next state assembly elections. Shah’s remarks included a sharp critique of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, arguing that central government schemes intended for the welfare of Bengal’s citizens have failed to reach them under the current administration.During his visit, Shah emphasized the significance of Petrapol, a crucial border crossing with Bangladesh in Bangaon, North 24 Parganas. The Home Minister reiterated the importance of managing cross-border movements and raised concerns about what he termed “disturbances to Bengal’s peace” due to unauthorized migration. Shah acknowledged that legal visitors from Bangladesh, numbering around 5,000-6,000, often cross the border for medical treatment in India, particularly benefiting from healthcare services at AIIMS Kalyani, which brings economic opportunities to local communities. However, he underscored that unchecked cross-border movement has led to societal strains and pledged that, if the BJP comes to power in 2026, infiltration would be decisively curbed.
Shah also contrasted the developmental strides under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government with what he described as a period of stagnation under the previous UPA administration. In a pointed reminder, he highlighted that during UPA’s tenure, the TMC was part of the coalition, implying the state government’s responsibility for perceived shortcomings during that period. Shah presented financial data, emphasizing that Modi’s government has allocated significantly higher funds for Bengal’s development over the past decade than the previous government, further stating that Modi remains committed to Bengal’s prosperity.
The Union Home Minister’s visit and statements are being widely interpreted as a precursor to the BJP’s campaign narrative for the 2026 elections, focusing on governance issues, cross-border security, and socio-economic development. As Bengal prepares for this electoral journey, Shah’s remarks signal the BJP’s intent to position itself as a viable alternative to the TMC, underscoring both the challenges and promises for Bengal’s future.