Is the ECI Collaborating with the Central Government to Enforce NRC in Bengal?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee accuses ECI of collusion with the BJP.
- Resistance against NRC implementation is promised.
- Migrant workers are urged to return to West Bengal.
- Harassment of Bengali speakers in BJP-ruled states is highlighted.
- Banerjee defends the Bengali language and opposes divisive politics.
Kolkata, July 28 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, on Monday leveled serious accusations against the Election Commission of India (ECI), labeling it a "co-conspirator" with the BJP and the Union government in their plans to introduce the NRC within the state.
She warned that should there be any attempt to impose the NRC in West Bengal disguised as a special intensive revision (SIR) by the election body, it would provoke substantial opposition throughout the state.
“We will not permit the implementation of NRC or the establishment of detention camps in West Bengal under any circumstances. If such moves are made, there will be fierce resistance,” the Chief Minister asserted during a protest rally in Birbhum district, which kicked off the Trinamool Congress’ ongoing weekly campaign against the alleged mistreatment of Bengali-speaking individuals in BJP-administered states.
During her address, the Chief Minister urged migrant workers from West Bengal employed in BJP-ruled territories to return home instead of enduring ongoing harassment. She pledged to provide livelihood security for those returning from these states.
According to her, the harassment primarily targets Bengali-speaking individuals in BJP-ruled states, particularly those whose accents resemble those of residents from Bangladesh.
“Many individuals migrated to India from East Pakistan during the partition and later became citizens. Even after their arrival, they retained the accents from when Bangladesh was part of undivided India. This accent should not be a reason for their harassment,” the Chief Minister emphasized.
She further stated that while she respects all languages, she will not tolerate any attacks on the Bengali language, which she claims is being undermined through the harassment of Bengali-speaking individuals in BJP-ruled states. She identified Haryana, Assam, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Odisha as the worst offenders in this regard.
“I oppose divisive politics; I desire a united India,” she affirmed.
Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, suggested that instead of making baseless allegations about the harassment of Bengalis in other states, the Chief Minister should focus on creating jobs so that millions of people from West Bengal are not compelled to migrate for opportunities.