BJP president Nitin Nabin on Sunday launched the party’s Parivartan Yatra in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal, sharpening his attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress. Addressing party workers and supporters at the rally, he claimed that more than 50 lakh alleged infiltrators had been removed from the state’s voter list following the recent Special Intensive Revision.
According to figures released after the Special Intensive Revision exercise, 63.66 lakh names were deleted from the electoral roll in West Bengal. Nabin alleged that a large portion of these deletions involved illegal immigrants who had managed to secure voter identification and access government benefits.
He stated that such individuals were exploiting welfare schemes and employment opportunities meant for genuine citizens. He further described them as a serious threat to national security, asserting that the integrity of the electoral system must be protected.
“Our message to infiltrators is clear. The time has come for them to be removed from the soil of Bengal. Along with removing infiltrators, we must build a strong government that ensures development and security,” he said during the rally.
The Parivartan Yatra, which began in Cooch Behar, is expected to cover more than 5,000 kilometres across West Bengal. BJP leaders said the outreach campaign aims to connect with households across the state and promote the party’s agenda of governance and reform.
Nabin strongly criticized the Trinamool Congress, accusing the state government of supporting infiltrators for political gain. He alleged that fake documents were provided to illegal immigrants and that they were deliberately included in the voter list to serve as a vote bank.
He also questioned whether the current situation in West Bengal aligns with the vision of “Sonar Bangla,” a phrase often used to describe an ideal, prosperous state. According to him, corruption and instability have replaced development under the present administration.
The BJP leader further accused members of the ruling party of disrespecting the national song “Vande Mataram.” He described the song as a symbol of patriotism and said the BJP views it as a rallying call to restore order and progress in the state.
Political reactions to the claims are expected, as voter list revisions often become contentious issues during election cycles. The Trinamool Congress has previously rejected similar allegations, maintaining that due process is followed in electoral roll updates.
The Election Commission conducts Special Intensive Revision exercises periodically to update voter rolls, remove duplicate entries, and correct errors. Such revisions may include deletion of names due to relocation, death, or documentation discrepancies.
As the Parivartan Yatra moves forward, the political climate in West Bengal is likely to intensify. With strong rhetoric around infiltration, governance, and identity, both major parties are expected to sharpen their campaigns in the coming months.
