A political flash has emerged in West Bengal after Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey cited controversial remarks made by a Bangladesh Member of Parliament on illegal immigration, sharpening the BJP’s attack on the Trinamool Congress at a critical juncture in the state’s electoral narrative.
Dubey shared a video on the social media platform X featuring Bangladesh MP Akhtar Hussain. In the video, Hussain is heard stating in the Bangladesh Parliament that a BJP victory in West Bengal would stop infiltration and result in the expulsion of Bangladeshi Muslims from the state. Dubey termed the remarks “dangerous” and used them to escalate his criticism of the ruling party in West Bengal.
He further claimed that the statement reflects deeper political links, writing that the “helpers of the Trinamool Congress are slowly coming to the fore.” The remark has added further intensity to an already polarised political exchange between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress.
Infiltration debate sharpens political divide
Illegal immigration has remained one of the most sensitive and recurring issues in West Bengal politics. The BJP has consistently accused the Trinamool Congress of encouraging infiltration for electoral gain. The ruling party, in turn, has blamed the Centre for failing to effectively address border security concerns.
The latest controversy has once again brought the issue into sharp focus, reinforcing its position as a central fault line in the state’s political discourse.
Exit polls point to a tight contest
The political escalation comes alongside the release of multiple exit polls after voting concluded in two phases on April 23 and April 29.
Matrize projected the BJP winning 146–161 seats, with the Trinamool Congress securing 125–140 seats and others 6–10 seats. JVC placed the BJP at 138–159 seats and the TMC at 131–152 seats, while also projecting marginal numbers for Congress, Left parties, and others.
P-Marq forecast a stronger BJP performance at 150–175 seats, compared to 118–138 for the Trinamool Congress. People Pulse, however, projected a decisive edge for the TMC at 177–187 seats against 95–100 for the BJP. Poll Diary estimated 142–147 seats for the BJP and 99–127 for the Trinamool Congress.
Verdict awaited
With competing narratives intensifying and political tensions rising, attention now shifts to May 4, when the official results will be declared. The outcome will determine not just the next government in West Bengal, but also the direction of one of India’s most closely contested political arenas.
