Row breaks out after the home minister raises unsubstantiated claims during campaigning in West Bengal
KOLKATA — A major political row has erupted in West Bengal after Union Home Minister Amit Shah referred to “love jihad” and “land jihad” during an election rally, triggering strong reactions from opposition parties and members of the Muslim community.
The remarks came ahead of the two-phase state assembly elections on 23 and 29 April, adding fresh tension to an already heated campaign.
Addressing a public meeting in Saptagram, Amit Shah said that if the Bharatiya Janata Party comes to power in West Bengal, such issues would be brought to an end after 4 May.
“Once the BJP forms the government, ‘love jihad’ and ‘land jihad’ will stop,” he told the gathering, while also criticising the ruling Trinamool Congress led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
However, his statement has led to questions, with critics asking what evidence supports such claims. Political opponents say no clear data, studies, or official records were cited to back the allegations.
A spokesperson from the opposition said, “Such terms are often used during elections without proof. They create fear and target a particular community.”
Leaders from Muslim organisations have also expressed concern, saying the repeated use of such language affects how the community is seen in public.
A community representative said, “Words like these link crime with a religion without evidence. This creates misunderstanding and anxiety among ordinary people.”
Another resident from Kolkata said, “We are citizens like anyone else. During elections, such statements make people feel uneasy.”
The issue has also drawn attention because of similar remarks made by other leaders during the campaign. Recently, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while campaigning in Bengal, made comments that also led to political reactions.
During his speech, Amit Shah also raised the issue of illegal immigration, saying that action would be taken against infiltrators if his party comes to power.
“BJP will free the country from infiltrators as well,” he said. “They are taking away jobs and resources meant for the poor and pose a threat to internal security.”
These remarks have further intensified debate in the state, where identity and migration remain sensitive political topics.
Earlier on Tuesdy, Amit Shah, speaking at a rally in Kulti, targeted the practice of polygamy saying that the BJP will implement UCC to ban the practice in the state.
“Once voted to power, the BJP will ban four marriages in a certain community by enforcing UCC in Bengal,” PTI quoted Amit Shah as saying. The new government would also put an end to the fledgling syndicate, mafia and goonda raj in the state, he added.
Political analysts say such statements are often used to mobilise voters but can deepen divisions.
An analyst based in Kolkata said, “Elections in West Bengal are always intense. But the language used this time is raising concerns about its impact on social harmony.”
For many observers, the key issue is whether political debate will stay centred on development and governance, or continue to shift towards identity-based arguments.
As one local voter put it, “People want jobs, education and peace. Leaders should speak about those issues.”
The controversy continues, with reactions coming from across the political spectrum.
