Dilip Ghosh Backs Amit Shah’s BSF Land Remarks, Targets Rahul Gandhi Over Police Protest

Dilip Ghosh on BSF land remarks has backed Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent comments on the availability of land for fencing along the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal. Ghosh claimed that previous requests for land had not been acted upon and said the current government had expedited the process to facilitate border fencing.

His remarks came in response to Amit Shah’s statement regarding the challenges faced by the Border Security Force (BSF) in strengthening border infrastructure in the state.

Ghosh also criticised Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his recent protest at the Parliament Street Police Station in New Delhi, where Gandhi had sought the registration of an FIR related to injuries allegedly suffered by a student during a protest.

Dilip Ghosh Supports Amit Shah’s BSF Land Claim
According to Dilip Ghosh, the issue of land required for border fencing had been raised with the West Bengal government on several occasions.

He claimed that former Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had personally met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to request land for fencing along the international border. According to Ghosh, the state government had instead insisted that the land be purchased.

Ghosh further referred to the later expansion of the BSF's operational jurisdiction in West Bengal, saying that the state government had strongly opposed the decision when the jurisdiction was extended to 50 kilometres.

Land Handover Process Accelerated

Ghosh said the process of providing land for border fencing subsequently moved forward and claimed that the present government handed over the required land within 45 days.

He said work on the fencing project has already begun in the relevant stretch and will progress further once the remaining land acquisition process is completed.

According to Ghosh, work on the 50-kilometre stretch is currently underway. He added that the project is expected to be completed after the necessary land is made available.

The issue of border fencing has remained significant for West Bengal because of the state's long international border with Bangladesh. Security agencies have repeatedly focused on border infrastructure, fencing and surveillance as part of efforts to strengthen border management.

Rahul Gandhi’s Police Station Protest Draws BJP Criticism

Ghosh also launched an attack on Rahul Gandhi over his protest at the Parliament Street Police Station.

Rahul Gandhi had visited the police station after allegedly seeking the registration of an FIR concerning pellet-gun injuries suffered by a youth during a protest in Delhi. Gandhi was accompanied by the injured youth and later staged a sit-in after discussions with police officials did not result in the registration of an FIR at that point.

An FIR was subsequently registered by the Delhi Police in connection with the complaint.

Ghosh Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Priorities

Reacting to the incident, Dilip Ghosh questioned Rahul Gandhi's decision to protest in Delhi and said that the Congress leader should instead visit Jharkhand, where, according to him, students were raising concerns related to their interests.

Ghosh also pointed to the fact that Congress is part of the governing alliance in Jharkhand and argued that Rahul Gandhi should address issues there.

He criticised Gandhi's protest as a political exercise and alleged that the Congress leader was focusing on publicity rather than resolving the underlying issue.

Border Security and Political Debate

The exchange over BSF land reflects a broader political debate in West Bengal over border management, security infrastructure and the relationship between the state and central governments.

The Centre has repeatedly stressed the importance of strengthening border infrastructure, while state governments have raised concerns over jurisdiction, administrative coordination and land-related issues.

The BSF's role along the India-Bangladesh border has also been politically sensitive, particularly after the Centre expanded its jurisdiction in West Bengal. The decision triggered opposition from the then state government, which questioned the move and its implications for the state's administrative powers.

Ghosh's latest comments seek to highlight the BJP's claim that land availability had previously delayed fencing work, while arguing that the present administration has moved faster on the issue.

The completion of border fencing will depend on the availability and transfer of the remaining land required for the project. According to Ghosh, work has already started on the available stretch and will continue once the remaining parcels are secured.

Meanwhile, the political confrontation over Rahul Gandhi's protest is likely to continue, with the BJP and Congress taking opposing positions on the handling of the alleged injuries sustained during the Delhi protest.

The two issues—border security and the Delhi police protest—have consequently become part of a wider political debate involving the BJP, Congress and the governments at the Centre and in different states.