Sun Feb 22 16:51:05 UTC 2026: ### Delhi CM Attacks West Bengal Government Over Infiltration, TMC Retaliates with Crime Statistics

The Story:
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, a member of the BJP, launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal on February 22, 2026, during a visit to Kolkata. Gupta accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of deliberately stalling the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process to allow cross-border infiltration, alleging it was a tactic to perpetuate TMC’s rule. Gupta also criticized the TMC’s governance on issues of women’s safety, citing specific instances of violent crimes.

In response, the TMC countered Gupta’s claims by releasing data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), arguing that West Bengal’s crime statistics were better than those of several BJP-ruled states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The TMC also highlighted West Bengal’s superior performance in development indicators like infant and maternal mortality rates compared to some BJP-governed states.

Key Points:

  • Delhi CM Rekha Gupta accused West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee of stalling the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process to allow cross-border infiltration.
  • Gupta alleged that the TMC government is prioritizing appeasement politics and failing to ensure the safety and security of women.
  • Gupta drew a comparison between former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and WB CM Mamata Banerjee, suggesting that WB voters should vote out “Didi” like Delhi voted out “Bhaiya.”
  • The TMC responded by sharing NCRB data, claiming that West Bengal has lower crime rates than several BJP-ruled states.
  • The TMC also asserted that West Bengal performs better in development indicators compared to BJP-ruled states.

Critical Analysis:
The attack by the Delhi CM on the West Bengal government is likely a coordinated effort by the BJP to gain political ground in the state. The repeated mentioning of cross-border infiltration by senior BJP leaders, including the Prime Minister and Home Minister, suggests a deliberate strategy to frame the TMC as being lenient on illegal immigration, potentially appealing to a specific voter base concerned about demographic changes. The timing of the attack, with the “Nari Sankalp Yatra” organized by the BJP’s women’s wing, indicates a focus on women voters and issues of safety and security.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BJP is actively targeting the TMC government in West Bengal, focusing on issues of infiltration and law and order.
  • The TMC is defending its record by highlighting crime statistics and development indicators in comparison to BJP-ruled states.
  • The political rhetoric suggests an intensifying battle between the BJP and TMC ahead of future elections.
  • The focus on cross-border infiltration indicates the BJP is likely employing a nationalist narrative to appeal to certain voter segments.

Impact Analysis:

The ongoing political battle between the BJP and TMC in West Bengal could have significant long-term implications.

  • Increased Polarization: The aggressive rhetoric and accusations could further polarize the political landscape in West Bengal, making it more difficult to find common ground on critical issues.
  • Electoral Outcomes: The success of the BJP’s strategy could influence future election results in West Bengal, potentially shifting the balance of power in the state.
  • Policy Implications: The focus on infiltration and law and order could lead to changes in state policies related to immigration and policing, potentially impacting the lives of residents.

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