Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday alleged that while BJP governments in Assam and Tripura prevent infiltration from Bangladesh, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee “welcomes” illegal immigrants into her state.

Addressing an election rally in Alipurduar district, which borders Assam, Sarma claimed that the Trinamool Congress government does not permit fencing along the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal. He warned that a demographic shift was underway in the state, alleging that the Hindu population was declining while the number of Bangladeshi Muslims was increasing.

“BJP governments in Assam and Tripura do not allow infiltration from Bangladesh, but Mamata Banerjee welcomes them in Bengal,” Sarma said.

Elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with votes to be counted on May 4.