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According to BJP sources, this government notification carries significant political weight in West Bengal ahead of the 2026 assembly elections
The decision means that Hindus and other minorities who arrived from Bangladesh in the past decade will not be deported. Representational image/X
India will now not deport persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who entered the country without valid documents before December 31, 2024. According to Bharatiya Janata Party sources, this government notification carries significant political weight in West Bengal ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
The decision means that Hindus and other minorities who arrived from Bangladesh in the past decade will not be deported. While this does not give them voting rights in the immediate election cycle, Bengal BJP leaders see it as a powerful campaign message and a source of reassurance for affected communities.
Why the BJP Is Calling It a Relief
Party insiders told News18 that this move serves three major purposes for the BJP in Bengal.
Protection for Persecuted Hindus: Over the past decade, particularly after the political instability in Bangladesh and the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, reports of increasing violence against Hindus have emerged. Many of those persecuted have crossed into India, particularly along the border districts. The notification ensures they will not be sent back.
“This allows BJP to project itself as the protector of Hindus in times of need,” a party source explained. “Hindu organisations can now reassure people that the Indian government stands by them, and that they can stay here safely.”
Campaign Narrative for 2026: Bengal BJP leaders believe this decision reinforces their image as the only party delivering on its promise to protect Hindus. “Through this, we can demonstrate that the BJP keeps its word and shields Hindus against torture and demographic threats,” a senior leader said.
BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya welcomed the home ministry’s move, saying: “People who have been tortured in other countries will not be deported. Naturally, they will stay here and become natural citizens. This is a big gain for them. Thanks to Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. BJP always stands by Hindus, and the TMC police will not get any chance to disturb them.”
Impact on the Matua Vote Bank: With nearly 60 constituencies in Bengal influenced by Matua voters, the decision has strong electoral implications. Many in the community, who migrated after 2014, were uncertain about their legal status under the State Identification Register (SIR). By making it clear that they will not be deported, the BJP has reassured them and prevented potential erosion of its Matua support base.
Union minister Shantanu Thakur, the party’s key Matua face, said, “We are very, very happy. Last month, we met Amit Shah…the Matua community met him. We told him what would happen to people after 2014…He gave us assurance. Now 90 per cent of Matuas will vote for the BJP. The BJP understands the problems of Hindus.”
BJP’s Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya spoke exclusively with News18 and welcomed the step taken by the Narendra Modi government, saying it will bring relief to persecuted minorities who fled due to atrocities on them in Bangladesh and Pakistan.
“In 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru had given a commitment that if minorities feel insecure in Pakistan, India will provide them shelter and full security. Congress did not fulfil this promise. This promise is being fulfilled by the Narendra Modi government. The persecuted minorities who came to India till December 2024 would bless PM Modi. Look at the condition in Bangladesh. There has been an open massacre of Hindus, ISKCON temples were attacked, Nath Sampradaya Math was destroyed…there was Islamic fascism there. Satyajit Ray’s house was vandalised. Persecuted minorities there see India as their home now,” Bhattacharya said.
The Matua and Rajbhanshi communities in West Bengal would also gain immensely from this step. “It is about all Hindus who will benefit from this. The order mentions the various communities that will be seen as persecuted minorities and won’t be deported. They are all our blood, they are our brothers. We cannot ignore them. If they face any trouble, we cannot stay silent,” Bhattacharya told News18.
Party strategists believe this will have a “demonstration effect” across Hindu migrant communities and consolidate the BJP’s position in areas where Matuas are decisive.
TMC Pushback
The Trinamool Congress, however, dismissed the move as a political ploy.
Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, “The BJP is only trying to create confusion with all these things. They have no real connection with the people of Bengal and are only trying to divert attention. Whenever they create this confusion, TMC will protest. They are even insulting the Bengali language.”
Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East…Read More
Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East… Read More
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