Is Jhargram the Next Stop for CM Mamata's ‘Bhasha Andolan’ Rally?
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Synopsis
After Bolpur, CM Mamata Banerjee is set to hold a protest rally in Jhargram, targeting the alleged mistreatment of Bengali speakers in BJP-ruled states. This rally marks another chapter in her advocacy for language rights and cultural identity. Join us as we delve into the significance of this movement and its historical context.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee is leading a rally in Jhargram on August 6.
- The rally addresses the treatment of Bengali speakers in BJP-ruled states.
- Historical context includes the Santhal uprising against British colonialism.
- Community involvement is crucial, with tribal leaders and organizations participating.
- Preparations for the rally highlight the ongoing focus on language rights.
Kolkata, July 31 (NationPress) Following the rally in Bolpur within the Birbhum district, the tribal-inhabited Jhargram district will serve as the subsequent venue for Mamata Banerjee's demonstration concerning the purported mistreatment of Bengali-speaking individuals in BJP-administered territories. The Chief Minister refers to this as a new phase of the 'Bhasha Andolan (Language Movement)'.
The Bolpur rally occurred on July 28, and the provisional date for the Jhargram rally is set for August 6, as confirmed by a senior member of the West Bengal Cabinet, who requested anonymity.
Political analysts believe that, similar to Bolpur, Jhargram was selected due to its historical importance closely linked with Bengali heritage.
“Birbhum was chosen as the launch point for the protest due to its deep-rooted connection with Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and the Visva Bharati University established by him at Bolpur-Santiniketan,” stated a political observer from the city.
“Likewise, Jhargram holds significant historical relevance due to the Santhal uprising against British colonial rule in the 1920s, which focused on agrarian rights,” the observer added.
As currently planned, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will lead a march from the Rajbari intersection in Jhargram to Circus Maidan during this protest rally, accompanied by tribal community members, social organizations, and scholars from the Jangalmahal region, which historically included Maoist-influenced areas of West Bengal, notably Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, and West Midnapore.
On Wednesday, state urban development and municipal affairs minister Firhad Hakim convened a meeting in Kolkata to arrange upcoming language movement events, including a ceremony for World Indigenous Peoples' Day on August 9.
Attendees at the meeting included Jhargram's district Trinamool President and party legislators like Dulal Murmu, Debnath Hansda, and Khagendranath Mahato, as well as leading figures from the Jangalmahal area. Sources indicate that Firhad Hakim will arrive in Jhargram one day prior to finalize the arrangements for CM Banerjee's march.
Debnath Hansda noted that during the Chief Minister's upcoming visit to Jangalmahal, plans have been established for various activities, including a procession for the language movement and administrative consultations.
In recent weeks, Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee has been outspoken regarding the challenges and assaults faced by Bengali migrant workers in BJP-run regions.
She has frequently criticized the BJP for allegedly instigating such attacks against Bengali-speaking individuals to instill fear ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
During her party's Martyr’s Day rally on July 21 in Kolkata, CM Banerjee pledged to combat these injustices by initiating the second 'Bhasha Andolan' against the BJP.
Nonetheless, she has faced backlash on this front since the 'Bhasha Andolan' historically refers to a political movement in what was previously East Pakistan, advocating for the Bengali language's recognition as an official language, which ultimately contributed to the establishment of Bangladesh as an independent nation in 1971.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize that language and identity are deeply intertwined. The concerns raised by Mamata Banerjee about the treatment of Bengali-speaking individuals in BJP-ruled areas resonate with historical struggles for rights and recognition. Navigating the political landscape requires sensitivity to these issues, and as media, we must ensure that all voices are heard and represented.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the 'Bhasha Andolan' rally?
The 'Bhasha Andolan' rally aims to address the alleged harassment faced by Bengali-speaking individuals in BJP-ruled states and to advocate for their rights and recognition.
When and where will the Jhargram rally take place?
The Jhargram rally is tentatively scheduled for August 6, following the rally held in Bolpur on July 28.
Who will lead the Jhargram rally?
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will lead the rally, accompanied by tribal community members, social organizations, and local scholars.
What historical significance does Jhargram hold?
Jhargram is historically significant due to the Santhal uprising against British rule in the 1920s, which reflects the region's agrarian struggles.
What are the expected activities during the Chief Minister's visit?
Preparations include a language movement procession and administrative meetings, focusing on addressing the concerns of the local communities.
