'Golgappa Will Never Be Phuchka': Witch-Hunt Of Bengalis in Delhi, Claims TMC; BJP Says Law In Action

Last Updated:July 10, 2025, 16:57 IST

The TMC accused that the ruling BJP was targeting around 1,200 Bengali-speaking residents in Delhi's Vasant Kunj area, reportedly from West Bengal's Cooch Behar

The TMC and BJP have repeatedly clashed over the issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh, which frequently becomes a contentious topic, especially in West Bengal, which will have assembly elections early next year. Representational image/X

A fierce political clash has erupted in Delhi between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) over allegations related to Bengali-speaking residents being labelled “Bangladeshis" and subjected to a “witch-hunt".

The controversy erupted on Thursday, following the TMC’s accusations that the ruling BJP was targeting around 1,200 Bengali-speaking residents in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj area, reportedly from West Bengal’s Cooch Behar, by cutting off their essential services like water and electricity.

The political confrontation began with the TMC launching a vehement attack on the BJP via social media site X. West Bengal’s ruling party claimed that the BJP’s “desperate pursuit of Bengal will always end in failure". It said that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi and union home minister Amit Shah “pretend to care about Bengal", their party “harbours deep-rooted contempt for our people".

The TMC also alleged that a “lumpen land mafia", supposedly backed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and supported by chief minister Rekha Gupta, under the protection of Delhi Police, was leading this “witch-hunt". “That, right there, is why golgappa will never become phuchka. And BJP will NEVER win Bengal," the party added.

The BJP quickly responded, dismissing the TMC’s allegations as “fake news". Amit Malviya, chief of the BJP’s IT cell, defended the actions in Vasant Kunj, asserting that the measures were being taken in line with a court order against illegal settlements. He explained, “The settlement in question is illegal, and the law is simply being enforced." Malviya also mentioned a recent crackdown in the area where 26 illegal Bangladeshis were arrested, implying a connection. He further criticised West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of “equating genuine residents of West Bengal with illegal infiltrators" and protecting “illegality". He specifically highlighted Bangladeshis who he claimed have “entered India using fraudulent Aadhaar and ration cards, mostly issued in 24 North Parganas", urging the TMC to “Stop insulting Bengal. Stop protecting illegality."

The TMC and BJP have repeatedly clashed over the issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh, which frequently becomes a contentious topic, especially in West Bengal, which will have assembly elections early next year. The BJP has consistently accused the TMC of enabling illegal Bangladeshi migrants for vote bank politics, while the TMC has countered by alleging the persecution of genuine Indian citizens from West Bengal by the BJP-ruled states.

News politics 'Golgappa Will Never Be Phuchka': Witch-Hunt Of Bengalis in Delhi, Claims TMC; BJP Says Law In Action