Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Jan 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal, assuring the Matua community and other religious refugees that their voting rights and long-term welfare will be safeguarded under a BJP-led government.

Speaking at a public rally in Malda district, Modi said, “I urge the Matua community and those who have come to West Bengal fleeing religious persecution not to be afraid. Their interests will be protected, and citizenship will be granted under the Citizenship Amendment Act. A BJP government in West Bengal will work for the social and economic development of Matuas and other backward class communities.”

The Matua community, largely refugees from Bangladesh, is concentrated in districts such as Nadia and North 24 Parganas and has been a key support base for the BJP since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Modi also launched a sharp critique of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing it of encouraging illegal infiltration from Bangladesh. He said, “Infiltration is a major challenge in West Bengal. Even wealthy nations expel illegal entrants. Should West Bengal be any different? The TMC, which has long manipulated voter rolls, deprives the poor of their rights, robs youth of jobs, oppresses women, and fuels violence. Terrorism and demographic imbalance are on the rise in places like Malda and Murshidabad. The nexus between infiltrators and those in power must be broken. A BJP government will take decisive action against infiltration.”

The Prime Minister’s remarks came amid heightened political attention on voter rolls and citizenship issues in West Bengal ahead of upcoming elections.