Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], March 28 (ANI): TMC West Bengal Vice President Jaiprakash Majumdar took a dig at the BJP, calling its flagship initiative, Ayushman Bharat, a 'failed project' and dismissed the prospects of the party coming to power in the state.

Jaiprakash Majumdar said that the BJP's position in the state is in a 'downward trend.'

Speaking to ANI, the TMC leader said, 'Ayushman Bharat is a failed initiative. In the past 75 years, why hasn't the BJP been able to form a government in West Bengal? Even Syama Prasad Mukherjee, one of the founders of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, couldn't bring the party to power in the state. This is something the BJP should reflect upon.'

'The current situation of the BJP in West Bengal is critical; the party is on a downward trajectory. In 2019, the BJP secured 18 seats and appeared to be gaining ground, but this number dropped significantly in 2021. The BJP has lost every by-election since then, and in 2026, its prospects will diminish even further. Will they even win any seats in 2026?' he added.

Adding, he said, 'People in West Bengal want to live peacefully, and there's no room here for those who practice divisive politics. The BJP needs to rethink its approach, adopt a secular stance, and focus on moving the people forward. We don't see the BJP making any real impact here.'

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday slammed the Trinamool Congress, saying Bangladeshi infiltrators or Rohingyas enter India through West Bengal and fencing work of 450 km is pending because the state government is not giving land for it.

Replying to the debate in Lok Sabha on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which was later passed by the House, Amit Shah also expressed confidence that the BJP will win next year's assembly polls in West Bengal.

He alleged that Aadhar cards are issued to illegal migrants from Bangladesh in a district of West Bengal, and they then travel to other parts of the country.

'Whether Bangladeshi infiltrators or Rohingyas, earlier they used to enter India through Assam when Congress was in power. Now, they enter India through West Bengal, where Trinamool Congress is in power. Who issues them Aadhaar cards and citizenship? All the Bangladeshis who have been caught have Aadhaar cards from the 24 Parganas district. You (TMC) issue Aadhaar cards, and they come to Delhi with voter cards. In 2026, the BJP government will be formed in West Bengal, and we will put an end to this,' he said.

Shah said fencing work of 450 km is pending because the West Bengal government is not giving land for it.

'Whenever the process of fencing is done, the ruling party workers indulge in hooliganism and religious sloganeering. The fencing work of 450 km of border has not been completed because the West Bengal government is showing mercy to the infiltrators...our border with Bangladesh is 2216 km. Out of that, 1653 km has been fenced. The road near the fence has also been built, and checkposts have also been built. Of the remaining 563 km, there cannot be fencing on 112 km due to difficult terrain such rivers, drains and hills. Fencing on 450 km is pending as the Bengal government does not give land... Seven meetings have been held,' he added.

Amit Shah also said India is not a 'Dharamshala' and those who pose a threat to the national security will not be allowed to enter the country.

'Those who pose a threat to national security will not be allowed to enter the nation. The nation is not a 'Dharamshala' (rest house)...If someone comes to the nation to give its contribution to the development of the nation, they are always welcome,' he said. (ANI)