Is a Special Session of the Bengal Assembly Coming to Address Alleged Harassment of Bengalis in BJP-ruled States?
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Synopsis
A special session of the West Bengal Assembly is set to convene in August to address the pressing issue of alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking individuals in BJP-led states. This session aims to officially document the party's stance and launch statewide protests, marking a significant political move by the Mamata government.
Key Takeaways
- Special Assembly session scheduled for August.
- Focus on harassment of Bengali speakers in BJP states.
- Trinamool Congress to initiate statewide protests.
- Discussion of four new Bills alongside the resolution.
- Historical context of the Bhasha Andolon movement highlighted.
Kolkata, July 22 (NationPress) A special session of the West Bengal Assembly is anticipated to be held next month to deliberate on a special resolution introduced by the Mamata government concerning the alleged harassment faced by Bengali-speaking individuals in states governed by the BJP.
An insider from the state’s Parliamentary affairs department revealed that the proposed date for this special session is likely to fall between August 8 and August 21.
“Plans are underway to not only introduce the special resolution on this matter but also to present four other new Bills during the special session. However, all discussions are still ongoing. The formal proposal for the special session will be submitted by the state Parliamentary affairs department to Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay only after finalizing the details,” the insider explained.
A senior state cabinet member, who opted to remain anonymous, confirmed that the Trinamool Congress has already decided to embark on extensive protest demonstrations regarding this issue every weekend. The leadership believes that the party's stance on the alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking people in BJP-governed regions should be officially documented in the Assembly.
On Tuesday, prior to departing for New Delhi, the Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, asserted that Mamata Banerjee is positioning herself as the self-proclaimed guardian of the Bengali language and culture, recognizing the intensifying anti-incumbency sentiment against her party.
During Trinamool Congress’s annual Martyrs' Day rally in central Kolkata on Monday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared that her party will initiate weekend protest activities statewide starting July 27, in response to the alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking residents in BJP-ruled states.
She characterized this protest initiative as another chapter in the Bhasha Andolon (Language Movement). Historically, the Bhasha Andolon was a political movement in what was then East Pakistan, advocating for the recognition of Bangla as an official language, which eventually contributed to the establishment of Bangladesh as an independent nation following the liberation of East Pakistan in 1971.
Point of View
The upcoming special session in West Bengal reflects the Trinamool Congress’s commitment to addressing the concerns of Bengali-speaking citizens. It underscores the party's strategy to reclaim narrative control amid rising anti-incumbency sentiments, highlighting the importance of regional identity in national discourse.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the special session?
The special session aims to discuss a resolution regarding the alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled states.
When is the special session expected to occur?
The special session is likely to take place between August 8 and August 21.
What other legislative matters will be discussed?
In addition to the special resolution, four other new Bills are expected to be presented during the session.
What actions is the Trinamool Congress planning?
The Trinamool Congress plans to conduct weekend protests across the state starting July 27 to address the alleged harassment.
What historical movement is referenced in the protests?
The protests are being likened to the Bhasha Andolon, a movement advocating for the recognition of Bangla as an official language.
