Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Patna, May 25: The decision of the Government of West Bengal to establish ‘holding centres’ in every district for people detained on suspicion of being Bangladeshi nationals or Rohingyas has triggered strong political reactions. Welcoming the move, Union Minister and senior BJP leader Giriraj Singh said the decision was a positive step, while sharply criticising the ruling All India Trinamool Congress over its past policies regarding alleged infiltration.

The directive issued by Nabanna, suspected individuals detained on charges of being illegal Bangladeshi immigrants or Rohingyas can now be kept in these holding centres for up to 30 days. The state government’s decision comes amid continuing political debate over infiltration and border security issues in West Bengal.

The development on Monday, Giriraj Singh stated that the Trinamool government should have taken such action nearly fifteen years ago. He alleged that the ruling party had earlier rolled out the “red carpet” for infiltrators in the name of vote-bank politics. According to him, illegal infiltration had been encouraged for political gains, which ultimately created serious concerns relating to national security and demographic balance.

The Union Minister further referred to statements made earlier by Amit Shah, saying that the Union Home Minister had already made it clear that infiltrators would be identified and removed from the country. Giriraj Singh claimed that the Chief Minister is now being compelled to act in accordance with those directions and increasing public pressure over the issue.

Giriraj Singh also launched a sharp attack on senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Criticising Rahul Gandhi, he alleged that the Congress leader does not properly understand the country and is trying to provoke the youth against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He further claimed that Rahul Gandhi wants to create unrest and destabilise the government, but asserted that the people of the country continue to support and love Prime Minister Modi.

The issue of infiltration and illegal immigration has once again become a major political topic ahead of upcoming elections, with both the BJP and Trinamool Congress trading allegations over border security, governance and vote-bank politics. The creation of holding centres is expected to intensify the political debate further in the coming days as parties continue to take aggressive positions on the sensitive issue.