Biplab Deb alleges terror networks and “free zones” in West Bengal’s Muslim-majority districts, sparking political controversy ahead of Assembly elections while raising issues of demographic change, national security, and Uniform Civil Code implementation debate.
Tensions around electoral politics and national security narratives intensified on Wednesday after Biplab Kumar Deb, a Member of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party and former Chief Minister of Tripura, made a series of controversial allegations regarding security concerns in West Bengal. His remarks came just ahead of the first phase of the state’s Assembly elections, adding a sharp political edge to an already heated campaign atmosphere.
Addressing reporters, Deb claimed that certain Muslim-majority districts in West Bengal have allegedly become safe zones for extremist activities. He further alleged the presence of terror-linked infrastructure, including assets connected to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence. According to him, these areas have witnessed the establishment of training camps and networks that could potentially threaten national security.
Deb also linked these allegations to broader demographic changes in the state. Citing historical population data, he stated that the proportion of Muslims in West Bengal has risen significantly since 1951, while the Hindu population share has declined. He argued that such demographic shifts have had political and security implications, though he did not present specific evidence to substantiate the claims about terror infrastructure.
The BJP leader further alleged that identity documents recovered from suspected militants apprehended in regions like Jammu and Kashmir have often been traced back to districts such as Kanthi and North 24 Parganas in West Bengal. He described this as indicative of systemic lapses and claimed that a “free zone” for terrorists had emerged in certain pockets of the state.
Alongside security concerns, Deb reiterated the BJP’s longstanding demand for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in West Bengal. He argued that a common set of civil laws would promote national integration and reduce communal divisions. The UCC remains a contentious issue in Indian politics, with supporters advocating for uniformity and critics warning against undermining cultural and religious diversity.
Deb also targeted the state’s leadership, particularly Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He claimed that she had effectively been “rejected” by voters in the 2021 Assembly elections, referring to her defeat in the Nandigram constituency, although she later returned to the विधानसभा through a by-election from Bhabanipur. Responding to Banerjee’s frequent criticism of the BJP as an “outsider” party, Deb countered by invoking historical figures such as Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, and Subhas Chandra Bose, arguing that Bengal’s legacy has always been national rather than regional.
He further criticized both the Trinamool Congress and the Congress party, accusing them of engaging in dynastic politics. Referring to Rahul Gandhi and Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Deb alleged that leadership in both parties is driven by personal and familial interests rather than public welfare.
Despite the controversies surrounding his statements, Deb expressed strong confidence in the BJP’s electoral prospects in West Bengal. He asserted that the question was no longer whether the party would come to power, but when.
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Political analysts note that such remarks are likely to intensify polarization during the election period. While the BJP has consistently focused on issues of national security and identity politics, its opponents have accused it of using divisive rhetoric to consolidate votes.
As campaigning continues, the electorate in West Bengal remains at the center of a high-stakes political contest, where narratives of security, identity, and governance are shaping the discourse ahead of polling.
