The West Bengal Assembly opposition leader, Suvendu Adhikari, claimed on Monday that almost one crore Hindu refugees could come to the state from neighboring Bangladesh shortly amid political turmoil in that country.
At a news conference on the sidelines of the Assembly's Monsoon Session, Adhikari asked the people of the state to be prepared for an expected influx of one crore Hindu refugees who would come to West Bengal after fleeing from Bangladesh.
He drew attention to the worst situation prevailing in Bangladesh, citing recent incidents of violence against Hindus there. He referred to the killing of Rangpur Nagar Parishad councillor Haradhan Nayak, the killing of thirteen policemen in Sirajganj, and the burning of Hindu houses in Noakhali.
He appealed to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for holding a discussion with the Union government by referring to the CAA, which makes a provision for granting asylum to those fleeing religious persecution.
"Be mentally prepared to accommodate one crore Hindu refugees. I am ready for it," Adhikari said. "The more the violence in Bangladesh continues, the more the possibility of the fundamentalist forces taking over," Adhikari cautioned.
He further called upon the Hindu community in West Bengal to shelter these refugees, as it did during the 1971 crisis.
