'Going to court to shield illegal immigrants': PM Modi targets Mamata Banerjee over SIR row

The remarks were made during his reply in the Rajya Sabha to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address.

“The Trinamool goes to court to protect illegal immigrants,” the prime minister said, without naming Banerjee directly.

However, the reference was unmistakable and closely linked to developments from a Supreme Court hearing held a day earlier.

The attack followed Mamata Banerjee’s appearance before a bench headed by the Chief Justice of India, where she strongly opposed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The chief minister accused the Centre of selectively targeting West Bengal ahead of crucial Assembly elections and argued that the process could disenfranchise genuine voters.

The Trinamool Congress has consistently maintained that the SIR exercise is being conducted in a hurried manner, potentially excluding legitimate citizens from the voter list.

'Power over people'

Escalating his criticism, Prime Minister Modi accused the Trinamool of prioritising political power over public interest.

He alleged that the party was deliberately covering up for “infiltrators” while ignoring the concerns of Indian citizens, particularly the youth.

The prime minister said that illegal immigrants were not only distorting the electoral process but also depriving young Indians of employment and economic opportunities.

Drawing a global comparison, Modi pointed out that even some of the world’s wealthiest nations were taking firm action against illegal immigration.

He questioned why certain political groups in India were, in contrast, making what he described as “organised and aggressive efforts” to defend infiltrators.

“How can the youth of our nation accept leaders who openly advocate for illegal immigrants?” the prime minister asked, framing the issue as a direct threat to the aspirations of India’s younger population.

The prime minister further alleged that illegal immigrants were encroaching on tribal land, threatening livelihoods, and creating risks to public safety.

He claimed that infiltration was undermining both social stability and the future prospects of Indian families.

These statements reflect the BJP’s broader narrative that illegal immigration poses economic, demographic, and security challenges, particularly in border states.

Political flashpoint ahead of Bengal polls

Illegal immigration has emerged as a key political flashpoint in the run-up to the West Bengal Assembly elections.

The BJP has thrown its weight behind the SIR exercise, arguing that it is necessary to ensure electoral integrity.

The Trinamool Congress, however, has mounted strong resistance, alleging political bias and warning that the revision process could unfairly impact lawful voters.