Kolkata: A new controversy has erupted in West Bengal politics. A statement by Jagannath Sarkar, BJP MP from Ranaghat, has not only given ammunition to the opposition but also unnerved his own party. In a viral video, Sarkar stated that if the BJP comes to power in the 2026 assembly elections, the barbed wire fence on the India-Bangladesh border will be removed. This statement not only raises questions about border security but also takes a dig at the BJP’s policy of constantly attacking the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government over illegal immigration. Senior party leaders have remained silent on the issue, while the Trinamool Congress has launched a scathing attack on the BJP.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, Ranaghat MP Jagannath Sarkar stood by his statement, saying he wasn’t referring to border security, but rather to development and prosperity. He said, “My position remains the same. Right now, barbed wire is needed on the India-Bangladesh border, but when the BJP comes to power in West Bengal and Bengal prospers, Bangladesh will see for itself how far we have come. Then there will be no need for barbed wire on the border.”
A video of his speech, delivered on October 30th while addressing workers in Krishnaganj, went viral on social media. In the video, he is heard saying, “We promise that if we win the election this time, the barbed wire fence between India and Bangladesh will be dismantled. We were one before and will be one again in the future.”
Following this statement, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee sharply attacked the BJP. He wrote on the social media platform X that the BJP’s double standards are at their peak. On one hand, the Ranaghat MP claims that if the BJP forms the government, the India-Bangladesh border will disappear and the two countries will be reunited, while on the other, Union Home Minister Amit Shah blames the state government for the “security” of this same border. The BJP’s silence indicates that this statement was made with the consent of the top leadership.
Responding to Abhishek Banerjee’s allegations, Jagannath Sarkar said that his statement is being presented out of context. He said that once we were one. Bangladesh was born from India. When Bengal becomes ‘Sonar Bangla’ again, Bangladesh will see our development and realize that they too should join us. Then there will be no need for barbed wire on the border. He further said that the BJP’s goal is development, not religious or communal politics.
The BJP MP further said that the Communists and the TMC have propagated among Muslims that the BJP is anti-Muslim. However, in a BJP-ruled state like Gujarat, where the large Muslim population is enjoying the benefits of development, “We believe in development for all.”
Senior BJP leaders have not issued any official response to the controversy. Party MLA Agnimitra Paul only stated that senior leaders will look into the matter.
Jagannath Sarkar’s statement comes at a time when the BJP and TMC are locked in a heated debate over the Special Intensive Review (SIR) process in West Bengal. The BJP is describing the process as a way to remove Bangladeshi infiltrators, while the TMC is calling it a covert NRC. According to political analysts, this statement presents a dilemma for the BJP. While the party has consistently taken a strong stance against infiltration from Bangladesh, the MP’s statement contradicts that narrative.
The BJP also raised the issue of infiltration in the Jharkhand assembly elections last year, but without much success. Now, the party has again raised the issue of infiltration in the Seemanchal region of Bihar. However, given the anger of the Matua community in Bengal, the party is having to tread very cautiously. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 18 seats in Bengal with the help of Matua voters, but in the 2021 assembly elections, the TMC strengthened its hold on this community.
