SUVENDU ADHIKARI EYES ENEMY PROPERTY REVENUES TO FINANCE BENGAL’S DEVELOPMENT

October 16, 2026

LALBAGH, MURSHIDABAD, OCTOBER 16: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced that the state government is set to become the custodian of enemy properties located across Bengal, potentially opening up an additional source of revenue for development projects.

Speaking at Lalbagh in Murshidabad on Thursday, Adhikari said the Union government would place all enemy properties in the state under the custody of the Bengal government. He indicated that the arrangement could strengthen the state’s financial resources and support development initiatives, particularly in Murshidabad.

Enemy properties are assets left behind by individuals who migrated to or acquired citizenship of countries considered hostile to India, principally Pakistan and China, following conflicts in 1965, 1971 and 1962, respectively. These assets include land, buildings, shares, company debentures, jewellery and bank lockers.

According to the report, Bengal has approximately 4,000 enemy properties, making it the state with the second-highest number after Uttar Pradesh. These assets are spread across several districts, including Malda, Murshidabad, Kolkata and North and South 24-Parganas. At present, the Custodian of Enemy Property for India, operating under the Union Home Ministry, manages such properties and collects income generated through rent, leases, dividends and other recurring payments.

A senior state government official indicated that the Union Home Ministry, headed by Amit Shah, had approved the proposal to make the Bengal government the custodian, with the process now underway. If implemented, the arrangement could allow revenue generated by these properties to flow into the state exchequer.

Adhikari made the announcement after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the BIMSTEC home ministers’ meeting in New Delhi earlier this week.

The chief minister also announced plans to address the persistent problem of erosion along the Ganga riverbanks in Murshidabad and Malda. A meeting of the Ganga Flood Control Commission is scheduled for October 27 in New Delhi, where Bengal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are expected to present their concerns and proposals.

Adhikari said his government intended to pursue development projects in Murshidabad with the Centre’s assistance, including measures to tackle riverbank erosion, a longstanding concern for residents of the affected districts.