“The Bangladesh factor in Bengal polls”, First Post, April 28, 2026

“With the 2026 West Bengal Assembly heading towards a fiery contest between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP, neighbouring Bangladesh has emerged as a major factor in the battle of narratives between the two heavyweights in the ring.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have upped the ante by accusing the Trinamool Congress of “vote-bank politics” based on “ghuspetiyas” (infiltrators) and asked voters to bring the BJP to power to secure the border and stop infiltration.

‘Border Guarding is the Centre’s Job’

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool leader Mamata Banerjee dismissed the charges as the “usual Hindutva communal politics which has no place in Bengal”. Her nephew and party general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, reminded Home Minister Amit Shah that guarding the international border was the “Centre’s responsibility” and that the Border Security Force was under the Central government……”

Read full article at firstpost.com