Amit Shah criticizes West Bengal for no CBI courts

Amit Shah, India's Union Home Minister, raised concerns about the lack of special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) courts in West Bengal. He said this absence has resulted in many pending cases that have not gone to trial. During a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Shah responded to a statement made by Trinamool Congress (TMC) lawmaker Saket Gokhale. Gokhale highlighted that there have been nearly 6,900 corruption cases filed by the CBI in West Bengal with no convictions so far. Shah clarified that many of these cases are related to poll violence, not corruption, and were filed based on court directives. Shah pointed out that serious allegations of voting-related violence, including murders and crimes against women, prompted these actions. He stated that the cases remain unresolved because the West Bengal government has not established any special CBI courts. Gokhale also criticized the Union government's actions, alleging that the Border Security Force (BSF) has been given extended powers in states like West Bengal, while these powers have been reduced in BJP-ruled Gujarat. He argued that the home ministry oversteps its role in state law and order matters. In response, Shah mentioned that the CBI operates independently and does not fall under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). He expressed his willingness to address Gokhale's comments further in the next Rajya Sabha session.