India has deported nearly 5,000 Bangladeshi citizens after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a major victory in West Bengal elections last month. The development follows the party’s campaign pledge to identify and remove undocumented migrants living in the eastern border state.
According to official figures, the new West Bengal government has intensified action against illegal immigration. State authorities have established detention facilities across districts to hold undocumented Bangladeshis and Rohingya refugees before deportation.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said around 4,800 Bangladeshi nationals have already been removed from India. Speaking in Kolkata, he stated that the government had started implementing its policy shortly after taking office.
He said the administration had set up holding centers throughout the state in May. From these facilities, authorities have processed and deported thousands of individuals identified as undocumented migrants.
Adhikari also revealed that another 836 people are currently being held in detention centers. He added that arrangements are underway to Deports them in the coming weeks.
The campaign comes after the BJP promised voters it would “detect, delete and deport” illegal migrants. Immigration has remained a major political issue in West Bengal because of its long border with Bangladesh.
Many people have crossed the border over the years due to economic challenges, employment opportunities, and family ties that extend across both countries.
Officials supporting the policy argue that stronger border management is necessary to address illegal immigration. However, the move has drawn criticism from human rights groups and opposition voices.
Critics claim that the government’s approach may unfairly target Muslim communities. Some organizations have also accused authorities of carrying out deportations without providing sufficient legal procedures.
The issue has become more sensitive due to changing relations between India and Bangladesh. Bilateral ties faced challenges after political changes in Dhaka in 2024, when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country following a revolution.
Although relations have gradually improved since Bangladesh elected a new government earlier this year, immigration remains a significant point of discussion between the neighboring nations.
As India Deports more undocumented migrants, officials from both countries continue diplomatic engagement. Border force chiefs from India and Bangladesh are scheduled to meet in New Delhi to discuss border management and related issues.
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The ongoing operation highlights how immigration policies continue to shape political and diplomatic relations in the region as authorities prepare to Deports hundreds more individuals currently in detention centers.
