West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari urged the rapid deportation of alleged illegal Bangladeshi immigrants during a visit to the Hakimpur border checkpoint [1].
This move signals a shift in state policy toward aggressive immigration enforcement following a historic victory for the BJP in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections [3]. The administration is prioritizing the removal of undocumented residents to reduce the use of public funds for detention and upkeep.
Speaking May 12, Adhikari said to the immigrants, "Jaldi, jaldi bhaago" [2]. He said, "Jaldi jaldi bhago nahi toh…" [4], suggesting that those who do not leave voluntarily may face state action.
Adhikari said the state government does not intend to keep illegal immigrants in detention centers. The administration frames the expedited deportation process as a welfare measure for the legal residents of West Bengal [1, 4].
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Chief Minister's approach to governance and recent cabinet decisions. Modi said the "Welfare of West Bengal is supreme" [5].
The push for fast-tracked removals comes as the new government seeks to implement its campaign promises regarding border security and demographic stability. By encouraging immediate departure, the state aims to bypass the long-term costs associated with maintaining detention facilities [1, 4].
“"Jaldi, jaldi bhaago"”
The rhetoric and policy shift under Suvendu Adhikari reflect a broader strategy to link national security and border control with state-level welfare. By framing deportation as a cost-saving measure for taxpayers, the government is attempting to build public consensus for the rapid removal of non-citizens, which could increase diplomatic tensions with Bangladesh and raise concerns regarding the legal due process for those being deported.
