A fierce political spat has broken out after TMC MP Yusuf Pathan alleged the mistreatment of migrant labourers from West Bengal in Odisha. In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Pathan claimed that labourers from Murshidabad and Berhampore districts were facing inhumane treatment and abuse while working in Odisha.
The letter has sparked a sharp backlash from Odisha BJP leader Anil Biswal, who accused Pathan of politicizing a sensitive issue and spreading misinformation. Biswal, in a strongly worded social media post, said the allegations were “baseless and politically motivated.”
Biswal went further, alleging that many of those Pathan referred to as “migrant workers” are in fact illegal infiltrators from Bangladesh and the Rohingya community, who have allegedly entered India using forged identity documents.
“These infiltrators are disturbing the social harmony and cultural fabric of Odisha,” Biswal wrote. “They misuse fake documents distributed by political forces in Bengal for vote-bank politics.”
In a direct challenge to Pathan, Biswal asked, “Where was your voice when Hindus were attacked in Murshidabad?” He warned against using “human rights” as a shield for those who threaten national security.
“This is the time to fight back against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and illegal infiltration,” he concluded.
The exchange reflects escalating political tensions between the BJP and TMC, particularly on issues related to migration, identity politics, and national security. While Pathan has called for an official inquiry and protection of workers, the BJP has reframed the conversation around infiltration and internal security.
So far, the Union Home Ministry has not responded publicly to either the letter or Biswal’s accusations.
