Former Tripura CM and BJP MP Biplab Kumar Deb on Wednesday fired a verbal salvo ahead of the West Bengal Assembly polls on Thursday. Deb alleged that specific Muslim-dominated districts in Bengal have become “free zones” for ISI assets and terrorist training camps, while advocating for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Quick Glance: Key Highlights
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Terrorism Allegations: Biplab Deb claims ISI assets and anti-national headquarters are operating in Bengal’s majority districts.
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Demographic Shift: The BJP leader cited a rise in the Muslim population from 19% in 1951 to 29% currently.
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UCC Necessity: Deb emphasized that the Uniform Civil Code is essential for the future of West Bengal.
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Political Jibe: Deb accused Mamata Banerjee and the TMC of “dynastic politics” centered around her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee.
On the eve of the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb launched a scathing attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Deb’s remarks centered on grave allegations of national security lapses and significant demographic changes within the state.
Deb alleged that “terrorist infrastructures,” including assets linked to Pakistan’s ISI, have found a foothold in certain Muslim-dominated districts of West Bengal. According to the BJP leader, these areas have essentially become “free zones” where anti-national activities are planned and training camps are established.
Data on Demographic Changes in West Bengal
During his address, Biplab Deb highlighted what he termed a worrying shift in the state’s population structure. He compared data from the first post-independence census to current estimates to support his claim that the Hindu population is declining relative to other communities.
| Year | Muslim Population Percentage | Status |
| 1951 | 19% | Historical Baseline |
| 2026 (Est.) | 29% | Reported Increase |
Deb argued that this demographic shift is directly linked to the security challenges the state faces today. He pointed out that identity documents recovered from terrorists apprehended in Jammu and Kashmir often trace back to West Bengal districts like Kanthi and 24 Parganas, suggesting a pattern of safe-haven creation.
The “Outsider” Debate and Cultural Identity
Responding to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s frequent “outsider” tag for BJP leaders, Deb invoked the names of Bengal’s greatest icons—Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He argued that these figures worked for the entirety of India, not just a single province.
“By calling BJP leaders outsiders, she is effectively calling Tagore and Bankim Chandra Chatterjee outsiders,” Deb stated. He further mocked the TMC leadership, suggesting that Mamata Banerjee acts as the “founder of Bengalis” while the political script is written by her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee.
News Analysis: The Security-Demography Narrative
The statements by Biplab Deb represent a strategic shift in the BJP’s campaign narrative for West Bengal. By linking internal security threats directly to demographic changes and specific geographies (Kanthi and 24 Parganas), the BJP is attempting to consolidate the Hindu vote bank under a “Nationalism vs. Appeasement” banner.
Deb’s insistence on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) further suggests that the BJP intends to make legal and social reforms a central pillar of its governance model if voted to power. The mention of “dynastic politics” involving Rahul Gandhi and Abhishek Banerjee also serves to paint the TMC and Congress as two sides of the same coin, prioritizing family interests over the safety of the state.
People Also Ask (FAQ)
Q1: What did Biplab Deb say about terrorists in West Bengal? Biplab Deb alleged that Muslim-dominated districts in Bengal are being used as “free zones” for ISI training camps and that terrorists caught in J&K often carry IDs from Bengal.
Q2: Why is Biplab Deb demanding UCC in West Bengal? Deb believes the Uniform Civil Code is necessary to address demographic shifts and ensure legal uniformity across all communities in the state.
Q3: Who did Biplab Deb criticize regarding ‘dynastic politics’? He accused both Mamata Banerjee (and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee) and Rahul Gandhi of practicing politics of personal interest rather than public service. (Edited)