A political row has erupted between Odisha’s BJP-led government and West Bengal’s Trinamool Congress after TMC MP Mahua Moitra accused the Odisha government of illegally detaining migrant labourers from her constituency. Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari strongly rebuked Moitra’s allegations, calling them “misguided, inflammatory, and immature interference.”

Moitra Alleges Wrongful Detention of Workers from Krishnanagar

The controversy began after Mahua Moitra alleged that 23 labourers from her Krishnanagar constituency in West Bengal were detained illegally in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district, despite carrying valid identity documents like Aadhaar cards. She demanded their immediate release, terming the incident a “gross human rights violation” and accused the Odisha government of targeting migrants unjustly.

Pujari Dismisses Allegations, Accuses Moitra of Political Stunt

In a sharply worded response, Minister Suresh Pujari rejected Moitra’s claims, stating that she lacked understanding of the legal procedures involved. “She is intimidating Odisha without knowing the facts,” Pujari said, describing her remarks as a form of political posturing. He suggested Moitra focus on the issues within her own state, West Bengal, rather than interfering in Odisha’s affairs.

Pujari also made personal jibes, pointing to Moitra’s recent marriage to a former Odisha MP, saying, “Despite marrying into Odisha, her loyalties clearly remain in Bengal.”

Odisha Defends Detentions as Legal and Security-Based

According to Pujari, the arrests of 444 individuals in Jharsuguda were based on a verification drive targeting suspected illegal immigrants. He claimed that out of these, 335 had forged Indian identity documents and were allegedly linked to foreign contacts, particularly in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

“Why were so many of them in contact with foreign numbers?” Pujari asked, suggesting serious national security concerns. He clarified that persecuted minorities like Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians from neighbouring countries would not be harassed under Indian law—but illegal immigration would not be tolerated.

Bengal Accused of Facilitating Infiltration for Electoral Gains

The minister escalated the issue by accusing the TMC-led West Bengal government of deliberately facilitating illegal immigration through Bangladesh to expand its vote bank. He claimed that migrants are brought in, provided with ration cards and Aadhaar, and used for criminal activity or land encroachment. “West Bengal has become a hub of illegal immigration and deteriorating law and order,” Pujari said.

Tourism Warning Rejected, Centre’s Guidelines Cited

Moitra had also warned that such arrests could damage Odisha’s tourism industry, which benefits from Bengal tourists. Pujari, however, dismissed the concern, saying that the state’s actions align with central government protocols to curb infiltration. “Tourism will not suffer because of lawful action,” he asserted, insisting that the state’s priority was national security.

Political Face-Off Intensifies as Certification Continues

Moitra released a video statement urging the Odisha Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and DGP to ensure the immediate release of the detained workers, and warned that the arrests would face legal consequences. She termed the action a “superlative breach of human rights” by the Biju Janata Dal government.

Meanwhile, Odisha continues its certification and verification process, and the issue has now taken centre stage in a larger political clash between TMC and the BJP-led Odisha government. With immigration, law and order, and political boundaries under scrutiny, the matter is likely to remain a flashpoint in inter-state politics for weeks to come.

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