kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ;  Kolkata | July 18 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in West Bengal late on Friday night for a two-day official visit, during which he is scheduled to attend a series of important programmes in Siliguri and Kolkata. His visit is expected to focus on internal security, border management, and the implementation of the country's new criminal laws in the state.

Shah landed at Bagdogra Airport at around 10:30 p.m. on Friday before proceeding to the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters in Siliguri, where he stayed overnight ahead of Saturday's engagements. Senior BSF officials and state authorities received the Union Home Minister upon his arrival.

Saturday morning, Amit Shah is scheduled to participate in the BSF's 'Prahari Sammelan' in Siliguri, a key gathering that brings together senior officers and personnel of the border guarding force. The event is expected to include discussions on strengthening border security, operational preparedness, and the challenges faced by BSF personnel deployed along India's international frontiers, including the sensitive India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal.

Following the BSF programme, the Union Home Minister will travel to Uttarkanya, the administrative headquarters of the West Bengal government in North Bengal, where he is scheduled to hold two high-level meetings.

The first meeting will focus on the implementation of India's new criminal laws in West Bengal. The discussions are expected to review the progress made by the state administration in enforcing the recently introduced legal framework and assess preparedness among law enforcement agencies. The meeting is being viewed as particularly significant in the present circumstances, as the implementation of the new criminal justice system remains one of the Centre's major governance priorities.

The discussions come just days after the West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, implemented the state's anti-goonda law as part of its efforts to strengthen law and order. At the same time, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which has replaced major provisions of the Indian Penal Code under the country's new criminal law framework, has also come into force during the tenure of the new state government.

Against this backdrop, Saturday's review meeting is expected to examine how the new legal provisions are being enforced across the state and whether administrative and policing mechanisms are fully aligned with the revised criminal justice system. Officials are also likely to discuss coordination between the Centre and the state in ensuring effective implementation of the new laws.

The legal review, Amit Shah's visit is also expected to include discussions on administrative coordination and security-related issues concerning the region. Given North Bengal's strategic location bordering Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, security and border management remain key priorities during the Home Minister's visit.

After concluding his engagements in Siliguri, Shah is scheduled to continue his visit with programmes in Kolkata, where he is expected to attend additional official meetings and organisational events.

The Union Home Minister's visit is being closely watched in political and administrative circles, as it comes at a time when West Bengal is witnessing significant changes in its governance and legal framework. With the rollout of the new criminal laws and recent legislative measures aimed at strengthening public order, Shah's meetings are expected to play an important role in reviewing the state's preparedness and coordination with the Central Government on security and law enforcement matters.