West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday (June 23, 2026) said his government has identified thousands of illegal immigrants and begun deporting them while assuring genuine Indian citizens they would not be affected, irrespective of their faith.

Speaking in the Assembly during a discussion on the Governor's address, he said 10,000 illegal immigrants have already been identified and pushed across the border, while another 1,800 were awaiting deportation at 12 holding centres.

"The genuine citizens of India have no reason to worry. It does not matter which religion or community they belong to or their political affiliation," the chief minister said, adding that action would continue against those residing in the state illegally.

"We have already started sending them back across the border. There will be no imprisonment or punishment. They will be deported directly," Mr. Adhikari said.

He also said that only Indian citizens would be entitled to receive benefits under various welfare schemes of the state government. "We will not allow any illegal immigrant to avail of those funds." The Chief Minister also said that all those not covered under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act would be sent back.