A political confrontation broke out between Odisha and West Bengal after Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra accused the Odisha Police of unlawfully expelling four Bengali-speaking individuals from Nayagarh district. Odisha BJP strongly rejected her allegations, asserting that the State remains committed to action against suspected illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators and that the police officials have been discharging their duties responsibly.

BJP leaders further clarified that the Odisha government is committed to removing illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators from the state. They emphasised that the state government would continue to act firmly whenever suspicious individuals were found, describing the police response as both lawful and necessary.

Background of Row

The row began after Moitra posted a video on her X handle claiming that the four individuals, residents of West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, had been earning a livelihood in Nayagarh for the past 18 years by selling winter garments. 

In her post, she wrote, "Attention @DGPOdisha @spnayagarh you have illegally thrown out 4 Bengali speaking Indian citizens from Nayagarh district simply because they were Bengalis. There are lakhs of Odiya cooks, gardeners, plumbers & others working in Bengal who we treat with love & respect. You will pay for your actions. Watch out."

In the video, she also said, “You have absolutely no right to throw out Bengalis who are in your State earning a livelihood… If the Bengal Govt started doing what you are doing, imagine where we would land up.”

Moitra followed up with another post in which she wrote, "Hello @spnayagarh S Susree IPS - Odagaon PS Odisha instructed 4 Bengali migrants, all bona fide Indian citizens with full paperwork to leave the district. Pressurised the Landlord to throw them out, threatened arrest. Inspite of @SPMurshidabad verifying workers. This is illegal & in violation of our constitution. Am taking you to court, so get ready."

Also Read: TMC MP Mahua Moitra alleges illegal eviction of Bengalis from Odisha; BJP hits back

While the TMC MP continued to accuse the Odisha Police of violating constitutional rights, the BJP maintained that the State government’s measures were aimed solely at dealing with illegal infiltration.