BJP-led Centre failed to stop Bangladeshis from infiltrating India, says Aaditya Thackeray

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Aaditya Thackeray
| Photo Credit: ANI

Raising concerns regarding Bangladeshi nationals infiltrating India’s sovereign border, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Monday (January 20, 2025) slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government for their failure to end the intrusion despite being in power for over a decade. 

“This is what the BJP has accomplished in the last decade; China is infiltrating India on one side while Bangladesh infiltrates on the other. The BJP is unable to do anything about those Bangladeshi Hindus who wish to seek refuge in India. It also did nothing when the ISKCON pandit was arrested. The public at large can itself weigh how unsuccessful the government has been,” Mr. Thackeray said.

Mr. Thackeray questioned how the accused in the Saif Ali Khan attack case managed to enter India without the Centre having any inkling. “The accused was a Bangladeshi, we should organise a rally and ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi whether the government is incompetent in securing a border. Under the PM’s surveillance, how are Bangladeshis entering the country,” he said.

He highlighted that the accused in the Saif Ali Khan attack case stayed for six to seven months in former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s district Thane in Maharashtra. 

Criticising the Home Ministry and the State government, the Worli legislator appreciated the efforts of Mumbai police in nabbing the accused in Saif Ali Khan attack case. “The case shows that if the police are given a free hand they can work wonders. However, in the case of the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, one of the accused is still absconding. That resolution requires the will of the government and also the Home Minister,” he said.

Mahayuti fighting for “personal gains”

Mr. Thackeray also took a jibe at Eknath Shinde on the appointments of Guardian Ministers for Nashik and Raigad districts, “Check on who returned upset to their hometown. The selfish ones are fighting for personal gains and not for the welfare of people,” he said. 

Nationalist Congress Party’s Aditi Tatkare and BJP leader Girish Mahajan were given the responsibility of Raigad and Nashik respectively on Saturday. However, the notification was reversed on Sunday, staying the appointments of Guardian Ministers for Nashik and Raigad districts. After the conflict over ministerial berths, once again the rift has emerged between Mahayuti alliance partners over appointments of Guardian Ministers. The Guardian Minister has the power to distribute funds for developmental works in their respective areas.

Mr. Thackeray highlighted after long delay, the Guardian Ministers were declared. “Now, even as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is travelling abroad, the Nashik and Raigad appointments have been suddenly cancelled. This show disrespect for the appointed Ministers,” Mr. Thackeray said. 

Mr. Fadnavis is in Davos for the World Economic Forum to bring in investments for Maharashtra. He also questioned Mr. Fadnavis for reversing the decision, saying, “We thought the CM never bows to the people; he is kind of a person that orders for a lathi charge on the people.”