How Amit Shah Has Set BJP’s 2026 Bengal Poll Narrative, Put 'Infiltration' On Centre Stage

Last Updated:December 31, 2025, 04:41 IST

By framing infiltration within the broader national security discourse, the BJP appears intent on shaping public perception around its wider implications

At his press conference, Shah repeatedly highlighted the 'ghuspethiya' issue. File pic/PTI

The presence of Amit Shah in West Bengal during the final three days of 2025 indicates that the BJP’s chief strategist is preparing to finalise and roll out the party’s poll plan, setting the narrative as the new year begins. Party insiders told News18 that while a clear victory target has been set by Shah, the most significant takeaway from his visit is the sharp focus on the issue of infiltration. Sources said Shah has instructed party leaders to campaign aggressively on infiltration and the alleged patronage extended to infiltrators by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.

At his press conference, Shah repeatedly highlighted the “ghuspethiya" issue. He stated that Bengal needs a change from what he described as an environment marked by infiltration and fear, asserting that a BJP government would replace this with a development-focused administration. He said, “Troubled by fear, corruption, misgovernance, and infiltration, the people of Bengal have taken a firm resolve to bring the BJP to power—a party guided by the principles of development, heritage, and welfare of the poor."

Shah further added, “Once a BJP government is formed in West Bengal, a strong grid system will be put in place to ensure that not a single infiltrator can enter the state." He emphasised that under a BJP government, “not even a bird will be able to enter", and said infiltrators would be identified and sent back.

Shah went on to state that the 2026 assembly election would be fought primarily on the issue of infiltration, arguing that it is no longer just a Bengal-specific problem but one linked to national security. By framing infiltration within the broader national security discourse, the BJP appears intent on shaping public perception around its wider implications. Party sources indicated that leaders have been directed to campaign on how infiltration has altered demographic patterns and how this, according to the party, has impacted law and order in the state.

Sources told News18 that BJP leaders have been asked to consistently stress three key points: infiltration and the alleged patronage provided by the Trinamool Congress government, the BJP’s claim that it will come to power in Bengal with a two-thirds majority, and the assertion that a section of Bengali Muslims will vote for the BJP in the upcoming election.

While issues such as corruption, Bengal’s perceived loss of past glory, economic distress, and lack of infrastructure development remain part of the BJP’s broader campaign narrative, party sources said the primary thrust will be on infiltration, which is expected to be projected as the party’s central plank for the 2026 elections. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, meanwhile, has countered the narrative by questioning why Bengal is being singled out on infiltration and asking whether incidents such as the Pahalgam attack were “self-created" by the BJP.

With Shah’s visit, the BJP has effectively set the stage for the 2026 assembly elections in Bengal, positioning infiltration as the central issue of its campaign strategy.

News politics How Amit Shah Has Set BJP’s 2026 Bengal Poll Narrative, Put 'Infiltration' On Centre Stage

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