CAA fast-track promise sharpens BJP’s Bengal pitch as PM Modi targets ‘infiltrators’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 11 said the process of granting citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) would be fast-tracked for Matua, Namasudra and other refugee communities if the BJP forms the government in West Bengal, while issuing a stern warning to “infiltrators” to leave the country.

Addressing an election rally in Katwa in Purba Bardhaman district, Modi sought to reassure key refugee groups in south Bengal that their rights were protected by the Constitution and the CAA, not by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). He said refugee families were not dependent on the goodwill of any political party but were safeguarded by law, and promised to expedite the citizenship process if voted to power.

A day earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said a Uniform Civil Code would be implemented within six months if the BJP wins the state. The party’s manifesto has also pledged citizenship and rehabilitation for Hindu refugees, a move widely seen as targeting Matua and Namasudra voters amid concerns over voter roll deletions during the Special Intensive Revision exercise.

TMC accused of creating fear

Modi accused the TMC of fuelling fear among refugee families while failing to secure their interests. He sharpened his attack on illegal immigration, stating that those who had entered India unlawfully would be identified and removed.

He also warned of action not only against alleged infiltrators but against those facilitating fake documentation or access to government schemes — an apparent swipe at the ruling party.

Positioning the 2026 Assembly elections as a battle against what he described as “fear” under 15 years of TMC rule, Modi urged voters to back the BJP for a governance model centred on trust and development.

Attack on state government, welfare push

Taking aim at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Modi alleged that her government shielded the accused in high-profile cases such as Sandeshkhali and the RG rape and murder case.

Highlighting the BJP’s poll promises, he outlined “three guarantees” for women, youth and government employees. Women would receive a monthly allowance of ₹3,000 along with enhanced safety measures, he said. For unemployed youth, he promised age relaxation in government jobs and filling of vacancies, while also pledging implementation of the 7th Pay Commission for state employees.

On corruption, Modi said a BJP government would bring out a white paper detailing alleged irregularities involving TMC leaders over the past 15 years, while ensuring welfare schemes continue without leakages.

The West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled in two phases beginning April 23, with results to be declared on May 4.