Will Trinamool Congress Stand Against Harassment of Bangla-Speaking People in BJP-ruled States?
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Synopsis
West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announces TMC's upcoming weekend protests against the harassment of Bengali speakers in BJP-ruled states, echoing the historical significance of the 'Bhasha Andolon.' This movement aims to protect the Bengali language and unite speakers nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- TMC to protest against harassment of Bengali speakers.
- Protests will occur every weekend starting July 27.
- Historical context: The Bhasha Andolon.
- Call for unity among Bengali speakers nationwide.
- Criticism of the central government's financial policies.
Kolkata, July 21 (NationPress) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Monday that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) will initiate weekend protests across the state starting July 27, in reaction to the alleged mistreatment of Bengali-speaking individuals in BJP-governed regions.
She characterized this protest initiative as yet another “Bhasha Andolon” (Language Movement).
Historically, the “Bhasha Andolan” was a significant political movement in what was once East Pakistan, advocating for the acknowledgment of Bangla as an official language, which ultimately contributed to the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation after the liberation of East Pakistan in 1971.
“The weekend protests will commence on every Saturday and Sunday across West Bengal starting July 27 and will persist until the state Assembly elections next year. This will serve as another ‘Bhasha Andolon’. We cannot tolerate any aggression against the Bengali language. We have received reports indicating that Bengali-speaking individuals are unfairly targeted, harassed, and detained in BJP-ruled states,” the Chief Minister stated during the Trinamool Congress’s annual Martyrs’ Day rally in central Kolkata on Monday afternoon.
During her speech, she urged Bengali-speaking individuals nationwide to join the protests from their respective locations by utilizing the Bengali language as much as possible.
“Organize protests in your own way against this assault on the Bengali language. Speak in Bangla as often as you can. Together, let us pledge to safeguard the language, which is the second most-spoken language in India and Asia, and the fifth most-spoken language globally,” she emphasized.
She also warned the BJP that the second ‘Bhasha Andolon’ could not be silenced through force, and the Trinamool Congress could not be hindered from leading this movement.
“The strength of the Trinamool Congress lies in its deep-rooted affection from the people of Bengal. Those who believe that they can dismantle the Trinamool Congress through personal attacks against me and Abhishek are mistaken. They will not succeed in extinguishing us by deploying central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against us,” the Chief Minister asserted.
She also sharply criticized the Union Government, accusing it of intentionally withholding payments for various centrally-sponsored schemes from the West Bengal government.
“Nevertheless, we are continuing those projects in West Bengal using our own funds, despite financial constraints,” the Chief Minister concluded.
Point of View
It's crucial to remain neutral while recognizing the importance of language movements in shaping cultural identity. The TMC's initiative to protest against perceived injustices raises significant questions about regional rights and the treatment of minorities in India.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the TMC's weekend protests?
The TMC's weekend protests aim to address the alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking individuals in BJP-ruled states and to promote the preservation of the Bengali language.
When will the protests begin?
The protests are set to commence on July 27 and will occur every Saturday and Sunday until the state Assembly elections next year.
What historical movement does this protest reference?
This protest references the 'Bhasha Andolon,' a historical movement advocating for the recognition of Bangla as an official language in East Pakistan, contributing to the formation of Bangladesh.
How can people participate in the protests?
People can participate by organizing local protests and emphasizing the use of the Bengali language.
What has Mamata Banerjee said about central government actions?
Mamata Banerjee accused the Union Government of intentionally withholding payments for various centrally-sponsored schemes affecting West Bengal.
