Is There Fake Propaganda About Rohingya Infiltration in Bengal?

Synopsis
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.