Did Mamata Banerjee Honor Pahalgam Terror Victims and Fallen Soldier at TMC’s Martyrs’ Day Rally?
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Synopsis
In a poignant moment at the Trinamool Congress’s Martyrs' Day rally in Kolkata, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee pays tribute to Bitan Adhikari, a victim of the Pahalgam terror attack, and Havildar Jhantu Ali Sheikh, a fallen soldier. This year's rally gains additional importance as Banerjee gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee paid tribute to victims of terrorism and fallen soldiers.
- The event highlights the emotional toll on families affected by violence.
- Banerjee's speech is expected to address discrimination against Bengali speakers.
- This rally is crucial ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
- Engagement with the families of victims signifies respect and empathy.
Kolkata, July 21 (NationPress) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid heartfelt respects to the families of Bitan Adhikari, a victim of the Pahalgam terror incident in Kashmir, and Havildar Jhantu Ali Sheikh, a soldier from Bengal who lost his life during a counter-terror operation in the Valley, at the Trinamool Congress’s annual Martyrs' Day rally in Kolkata.
Banerjee shared the stage with Adhikari's parents and Sheikh's father, who were honored with seats on the dais as a sign of respect.
The tragic deaths of both Adhikari and Sheikh have intensified the emotional resonance of Banerjee’s ongoing campaign against perceived discrimination towards Bengali-speaking individuals in BJP-administered states. It is anticipated that she will address these issues more directly in her speech.
Bitan Adhikari, a 40-year-old engineer with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in the United States, was among the 26 victims of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. A resident of Kolkata, Adhikari had returned to India in March and was on a summer vacation with his wife and their three-year-old son when disaster struck.
Havildar Jhantu Ali Sheikh, a commando in the elite 6 Para Special Forces of the Indian Army, was killed in a counter-terror operation in Udhampur, Kashmir, just days after the Pahalgam attack. Sheikh's family resides in Nadia district.
This year's Martyrs' Day rally is particularly important as it precedes the significant Assembly elections next year. Key speakers included Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the party’s General Secretary, Abhishek Banerjee.
As suggested by Mamata Banerjee on Sunday, her speech is expected to primarily address the alleged mistreatment of Bengali-speaking people in BJP-led states.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the emotional weight behind Mamata Banerjee's tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and fallen soldier Jhantu Ali Sheikh. This event underscores broader issues of regional identity and the socio-political dynamics affecting Bengali-speaking communities. The ongoing discourse on these matters will undoubtedly shape the electoral landscape in West Bengal.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the victims honored at the rally?
Mamata Banerjee paid tribute to Bitan Adhikari, a victim of the Pahalgam terror attack, and Havildar Jhantu Ali Sheikh, a soldier killed in a counter-terror operation.
What is the significance of the Martyrs' Day rally?
The rally holds added importance as it is the final major event before the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal.
What issues did Mamata Banerjee address during her speech?
She is expected to discuss the alleged mistreatment of Bengali-speaking individuals in BJP-governed states.
