New Delhi, May 8 (IANS): Indian intelligence agencies have raised alarms over Pakistan’s Inter‑Services Intelligence (ISI) attempting to exploit the tense political climate in West Bengal through coordinated disinformation campaigns. The alert follows the killing of Chandranath Rath, a close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, which has heightened sensitivities after the BJP’s decisive Assembly election victory over the Trinamool Congress. Officials said ISI‑backed elements are seeking to inflame unrest by spreading fake narratives, particularly around government decisions and illegal immigration, an issue the BJP has vowed to tackle firmly. Agencies are monitoring social media and chat groups closely, as these platforms are expected to be the primary battleground for disinformation.
According to Intelligence Bureau officials, West Bengal and the northeastern states have long featured in ISI’s playbook, with strategies ranging from illegal immigration to inciting communal disharmony. While some violence is politically motivated, external actors are believed to be fueling tensions further, including bomb hurling incidents. The disinformation campaign is expected to focus on undermining the new government’s credibility and amplifying false claims of election rigging. Officials noted that Pakistan‑based actors are likely to intensify efforts in the coming months, capitalizing on volatility and spreading fake news about the BJP’s policies, especially its stance on illegal immigration.
Beyond West Bengal, agencies are also monitoring ISI’s broader agenda in the northeastern states, which remain strategically important due to their border location. Intelligence officials warned that trouble in these regions could have serious national security implications. The ISI is expected to use its assets within India to create false narratives, incite communal tensions, and attempt destabilizing attacks. With the situation highly sensitive, Indian agencies remain on high alert to ensure that ISI‑backed elements do not succeed in exploiting political volatility and undermining stability in these critical border states.