In the aftermath of the BJP’s sweeping victory in West Bengal, New Delhi has firmly reiterated its stance on illegal immigration, making it clear that undocumented foreign nationals will be identified and deported. Responding to concerns raised by Bangladesh, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that this policy remains unchanged, while also urging Dhaka to cooperate in verifying citizenship to ensure a smooth repatriation process.
The response comes after Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Khalilur Rahman expressed apprehension over potential “push-in” actions following the political shift in West Bengal. He had warned that Bangladesh would take necessary steps if India initiated such measures. His remarks, which gained traction on social media, prompted a formal clarification from the Indian government.
Addressing the media on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that recent comments from Bangladesh should be viewed in the context of India’s established policy. “Foreign nationals residing illegally in India will be identified and sent back to their respective countries. This process requires cooperation from Bangladesh, particularly in verifying citizenship,” he said.
Jaiswal also disclosed that more than 2,860 nationality verification requests related to suspected Bangladeshi nationals are currently pending. A significant number of these cases have remained unresolved for over five years. “We expect Bangladesh to expedite the verification process so that deportation can be carried out efficiently,” he added.
The political backdrop is crucial. The BJP secured a decisive mandate in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly by winning 207 seats, marking a major shift in the state’s political landscape. During the election campaign, illegal immigration was a key issue, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah repeatedly promising strict action against infiltrators.
While Bangladesh refers to such actions as “push-in,” India describes them as “push-back.” The BJP’s strong electoral messaging on the issue has now heightened attention on how the new state government will approach the matter in practice.
The swearing-in ceremony of the new West Bengal government is scheduled to take place on Saturday at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground, where the BJP is expected to announce its Chief Minister. As the transition unfolds, both India and Bangladesh are closely watching the next steps on this sensitive cross-border issue.
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