Is There Fake Propaganda About Rohingya Infiltration in Bengal?

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Is There Fake Propaganda About Rohingya Infiltration in Bengal?

Synopsis

In a recent address, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee challenged the BJP's claims regarding Rohingya infiltration, arguing it serves to undermine legitimate voters. She also spoke against the harassment of Bengali-speaking workers in other states and emphasized the importance of linguistic rights in India.

Key Takeaways

  • Mamata Banerjee challenges BJP's claims on Rohingya infiltration.
  • Accusations of manipulating voter lists were made.
  • Emphasized the rights of Bengali-speaking migrant workers.
  • Bengali is a major language, with significant global presence.
  • Political asylum for Sheikh Hasina mentioned subtly.

Kolkata, July 17 (NationPress) West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has recently accused the BJP of engaging in deceptive propaganda regarding unlawful Rohingya infiltration in the state, claiming it aims to remove the names of legitimate voters from the electoral rolls. “Rohingyas originate from Myanmar. How can they be present in West Bengal? Yet, certain vested interests are spreading falsehoods about the existence of lakhs of illegal Rohingya infiltrators here. Their motive is to erase genuine voters from the voters’ list. I challenge them to disclose the addresses of these alleged infiltrators,” she stated during the launch of two housing projects in New Town, located on the northern fringes of Kolkata.

During her address, she also highlighted the targeted harassment faced by Bengali-speaking individuals, particularly migrant workers from West Bengal, in various states governed by the BJP.

“These workers are welcomed in other states due to their exceptional skills. We will not stand by while they face selective discrimination elsewhere. It’s important to note that over 1.5 crore migrant workers from other states reside peacefully in West Bengal without facing such treatment,” she emphasized.

According to the Chief Minister, those perpetuating such harassment are unaware that Bengali is the second most widely spoken language in Asia and ranks fifth globally.

“I hold immense respect for all languages. I am proficient in several myself. Every Indian citizen has the right to reside anywhere in India and to communicate in any language,” the Chief Minister asserted.

Additionally, she subtly referenced the Indian government’s decision to grant political asylum to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “There could be political or diplomatic reasons for sheltering anyone from a neighboring nation. I have refrained from commenting on this matter,” she remarked.

Point of View

It's crucial to recognize the impact of political narratives on community dynamics. CM Mamata Banerjee's allegations against the BJP highlight the sensitive nature of immigration and voter representation in India, a topic that requires careful consideration and factual reporting.
NationPress
17/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Mamata Banerjee say about Rohingya infiltration?
She accused the BJP of spreading false propaganda about Rohingya infiltrators in West Bengal to manipulate the voters' list.
What is the significance of Bengali-speaking workers?
Mamata Banerjee emphasized that Bengali-speaking workers are often skilled and face selective harassment in states ruled by the BJP.
How does Mamata Banerjee view the language rights of Indians?
She believes every Indian has the right to live anywhere in the country and to speak any language.
What did she imply about Sheikh Hasina's asylum?
She suggested there may be political reasons for granting asylum but did not elaborate further.
Why is Bengali significant linguistically?
Bengali is the second most spoken language in Asia and the fifth in the world.