Will CM Mamata Banerjee Launch 'Bhasha Andolan' from Birbhum on Monday?
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Synopsis
West Bengal's CM Mamata Banerjee is set to ignite the 'Bhasha Andolan' in Birbhum on Monday, addressing the alleged oppression faced by Bengali speakers in BJP-led states. With a historical backdrop tied to Tagore, this movement promises to stir significant political discourse.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee is launching the Bhasha Andolan to address the discrimination faced by Bengali speakers.
- Birbhum's historical significance is tied to Gurudev Tagore and Visva Bharati University.
- Critics question the appropriateness of the protest's name.
- Banerjee aims to highlight the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
- The Trinamool Congress is gearing up to challenge the BJP's alleged high-handedness.
Kolkata, July 27 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, is set to launch her “weekly protest movement” this coming Monday to address the alleged mistreatment of Bengali-speaking individuals in states governed by the BJP.
She will spearhead a rally in the Birbhum district. The choice of Birbhum as the starting point for this protest, which Banerjee refers to as another Bhasha Andolan (Language Movement), is deeply rooted in the district's historical connection to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and the Visva Bharati University established by Tagore in Bolpur-Santiniketan.
Political analysts suggest that Banerjee's decision to initiate the movement in this district is a strategic move to tap into the Bengali nostalgia linked to Gurudev.
The Chief Minister has faced backlash for labeling this protest as Bhasha Andolan, given that the original Bhasha Andolan was a significant political movement in the former East Pakistan, advocating for the Bengali language's recognition as an official language, which played a crucial role in Bangladesh's independence in 1971.
During the event, Banerjee is expected to express her concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of West Bengal's electoral rolls in anticipation of the 2026 Assembly elections. This SIR process is currently underway in neighboring Bihar, where Assembly elections are anticipated before the year concludes.
According to the Chief Minister's office, Banerjee will arrive in Birbhum district on Sunday night. On the following day, she will participate in an administrative meeting in Bolpur, where she plans to virtually inaugurate multiple government initiatives.
Later, CM Banerjee will commence the Bhasha Andolan march in Bolpur-Santiniketan.
"The Chief Minister will hold an administrative meeting at Gitanjali Theatre tomorrow afternoon. Following this, she will participate in the language movement procession. The procession, spanning approximately three kilometers, will start from the Tourist Lodge crossing in Bolpur and proceed to the Jamboni bus stand," stated a government official.
Additionally, CM Banerjee will pay tribute to the statue of Rabindranath Tagore at Jamboni and speak to the assembly from a makeshift platform. From there, the Trinamool Congress leader is expected to rally her party members and supporters to combat the alleged oppression of the BJP and address the supposed discrimination against Bengalis nationwide.
"We anticipate guidance from Banerjee at tomorrow's protest rally on strategies to confront the BJP. The ongoing aggression towards migrant workers from Bengal must cease. We are prepared to initiate the movement," remarked Asish Banerjee, chairperson of the Trinamool Congress's Birbhum district committee.
The Chief Minister is scheduled to return to Kolkata from Birbhum on Tuesday, following her attendance at a government event in Ilambazar within Birbhum district.
The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, criticized CM Banerjee for her protest against the BJP.
"She is attempting to obstruct the Election Commission of India from executing the SIR in West Bengal. Her support for Rohingya and Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators is evident, as they constitute her dedicated voter base. Should SIR occur, these fraudulent voters and infiltrators will be eliminated from the voter list. Fearful of this outcome, Mamata Banerjee is fighting vigorously to halt the SIR in Bengal. Let me be clear: those who have entered the state unlawfully will be expelled," Adhikari stated.
Point of View
I recognize the complex dynamics surrounding Mamata Banerjee's planned protest in Birbhum. While she rallies support for Bengali rights, the political landscape remains contentious. It is essential to approach this event with an understanding of its historical significance and the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities in India.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Bhasha Andolan?
The Bhasha Andolan aims to address the alleged mistreatment of Bengali-speaking individuals in BJP-ruled states, advocating for their rights.
Why was Birbhum chosen as the location for the protest?
Birbhum was selected due to its historical ties to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and the Visva Bharati University, which emphasizes the cultural significance of the movement.
What criticisms has Mamata Banerjee faced regarding this protest?
Critics argue that labeling the protest as 'Bhasha Andolan' is misleading, as the original movement was a significant political campaign in East Pakistan advocating for Bengali language recognition.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
The SIR is an ongoing process aimed at updating the electoral rolls in West Bengal ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
How is the Trinamool Congress responding to the BJP?
The Trinamool Congress is preparing to counter the BJP's alleged discrimination against Bengalis, with Banerjee expected to outline strategies during the protest.
