TMC and BJP Unite Amid Nepal Turmoil, Boost Border Security

In a rare display of unity amid escalating political tensions ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP-led central government have forged a temporary 'truce' to bolster security along the state's porous border with Nepal. The Himalayan neighbor's recent political turmoil, marked by Gen Z-led protests and the installation of an interim government under Sushila Karki, has heightened concerns in India's sensitive northeastern corridor, prompting coordinated action from both sides.

West Bengal shares approximately 100 km of border with Nepal, including the strategically vital 'chicken's neck' in Siliguri—a narrow strip connecting India's mainland to its eastern states. The unrest in Nepal, which erupted last week, led to an immediate ramp-up in vigilance. Indian authorities, wary of potential spillover effects, have maintained heightened alert levels even after the interim administration took charge. "These are issues of national interest, and on these, there is no TMC-BJP rift. We must prioritize national security—we are united on this," Banerjee stated emphatically, underscoring the bipartisan approach.

The fragile political rapport between Kolkata and New Delhi, often strained by ideological clashes, took a backseat during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the state, where he refrained from referencing ongoing rivalries. In a landmark development, a joint meeting of corps commanders convened at Fort William, the Eastern Command headquarters, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in attendance. This high-level gathering highlighted the gravity of the situation and the need for seamless collaboration.

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Security measures have been intensified across the border districts. The Border Security Force (BSF) has seen a surge in deployment, complemented by additional army personnel and enhanced surveillance operations. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is collaborating closely with state police to monitor critical entry points, such as the Panitanki bridge linking India and Nepal. Extensive intelligence sharing forms the backbone of these efforts, with the state government's intelligence wing dispatching regular updates to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the National Security Advisor.

State Police Chief Rajeev Kumar has been pivotal in compiling and submitting detailed reports based on intelligence findings, while Chief Secretary BP Gopal Reddy has served as the key liaison with the PMO and Union Home Secretary. Intelligence sources revealed a growing unease over Chinese influence in Nepal, noting the widespread availability and use of Chinese currency in Kathmandu markets. Although India-China relations have warmed following the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, agencies remain cautious about potential external meddling that could destabilize the region.

On Wednesday, Governor C.V. Ananda Bose visited the Nepal border at Phasidewa, inspecting fencing and engaging with security forces. Despite initial concerns from Banerjee about the risks involved, she ensured full state police support for the trip, demonstrating the cooperative spirit. The governor's visit, though controversial, symbolized the shared commitment to safeguarding the frontier.

This unexpected alliance arrives at a pivotal time, as both TMC and BJP navigate pre-election strategies. Analysts suggest the Nepal crisis has inadvertently fostered a pragmatic partnership, putting national security above partisan divides. With the border's vulnerability exposed, the coming weeks will test whether this truce holds or if political acrimony resurfaces once the immediate threats subside.

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