How Amit Shah Has Set BJP’s 2026 Bengal Poll Narrative With Infiltration at the Core
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent visit to West Bengal has signalled the beginning of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s full-scale political mobilisation for the 2026 Assembly elections. Party insiders indicate that Shah’s presence in the state during the final days of 2025 was aimed at finalising the campaign direction and setting the tone for the year ahead.
According to sources, the most prominent takeaway from Shah’s meetings and public interactions was the BJP’s decision to place the issue of “infiltration” at the centre of its election narrative. The party believes this issue has the potential to shape public opinion and consolidate support across key regions of the state.
Infiltration Emerges as BJP’s Core Campaign Theme
During his press interactions, Shah repeatedly highlighted what he described as the growing problem of infiltration in West Bengal. He alleged that the current Trinamool Congress (TMC) government has allowed the issue to worsen, impacting law and order and public safety.
Shah asserted that Bengal requires a change in governance, stating that fear, corruption, and unchecked infiltration have become defining features of the present administration. He maintained that a BJP-led government would replace this environment with one focused on development, security, and welfare.
Strong Messaging on Border Security
Emphasising the seriousness of the issue, Shah stated that if the BJP comes to power in Bengal, a robust monitoring mechanism would be established to prevent illegal entry into the state.
He remarked that a future BJP government would ensure that “not even a bird can enter illegally,” adding that infiltrators would be identified and deported. By framing infiltration as a national security concern, the party appears to be broadening the issue beyond state politics.
Key Talking Points for BJP Leaders
Sources within the party revealed that BJP leaders have been instructed to consistently highlight three major themes during their campaigns:
- Alleged infiltration and TMC’s role in enabling it
- The BJP’s confidence of securing a two-thirds majority in the 2026 elections
- The claim that a section of Bengali Muslims may support the BJP
These points are expected to form the backbone of the party’s outreach efforts across districts and constituencies in the coming months.
Broader Political Narrative
While infiltration is set to be the central plank, the BJP is also expected to raise other issues such as corruption, economic stagnation, lack of industrial growth, and the decline of Bengal’s historical prominence. However, party insiders stress that these will remain secondary to the infiltration narrative.
By linking infiltration with demographic change and law-and-order concerns, the BJP aims to present the issue as one that affects both state stability and national security.
TMC Pushback Begins
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already begun pushing back against the BJP’s claims. She has questioned why Bengal is being singled out and challenged the Centre over its handling of security issues elsewhere in the country.
Her remarks signal the beginning of what is expected to be an intense political battle as both parties sharpen their narratives ahead of the 2026 polls.
Conclusion
Amit Shah’s visit has effectively set the tone for BJP’s campaign in West Bengal. With infiltration emerging as the central theme, the party appears determined to frame the 2026 elections around national security, governance, and demographic concerns. As the political temperature rises, the coming months are likely to witness an increasingly sharp contest between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress.
