Is Mamata Banerjee Right About Harassment of Bengalis in BJP-ruled States?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Mamata Banerjee's recent claims of harassment against Bengali speakers in BJP-ruled states have sparked controversy. With backing from an NGO report, she calls for immediate attention to this issue, while the BJP counters her claims, accusing her of misuse. Explore the implications of this political narrative shift.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee claims Bengali-speaking individuals face harassment in BJP-ruled states.
- Human Rights Watch's report supports her allegations of persecution.
- Banerjee is organizing protests to address this issue.
- The BJP denies these claims and defends its immigration policies.
- This controversy highlights the ongoing linguistic and political tensions in India.
Kolkata, July 26 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, has referenced a report from an NGO to bolster her claims regarding the mistreatment of Bengali-speaking individuals in states governed by the BJP. On Saturday, she stated, “The internationally recognized and New York-based NGO, Human Rights Watch (HRW), has brought attention to the harassment, persecution, and unlawful deportation of Bengali-speaking citizens by the BJP administrations across various states.”
According to the Chief Minister, the report from the NGO corroborates the assertions made by the Trinamool Congress that individuals from different castes and communities who speak Bengali are being systematically targeted and expelled by the BJP.
In her remarks, quoting HRW's Asia Director, Elaine Pearson, Banerjee said, “The BJP is instigating discrimination by unjustly removing Bengalis from the country, including Indian nationals. The government's assertions about managing irregular migration lack credibility. HRW has reported that this systematic action is occurring in BJP-ruled states such as Assam, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Delhi, under directives from the Ministry of Home, Government of India. This is shameful! Even international human rights organizations are recognizing the linguistic oppression occurring in India. This must end immediately!”
Banerjee’s comments came shortly after Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP’s Information Technology Cell and the party's observer for West Bengal, expressed concerns on social media about Banerjee potentially addressing the detention of 100 illegal Bangladeshi migrants by Gurugram Police earlier that day.
Recently, Banerjee has shifted her political narrative from “Bengal in Danger” to “Bengalis in Danger”, consistently accusing the BJP of targeting Bengali-speaking residents in its ruled states.
Earlier this week, she declared that the Trinamool Congress would organize weekend protests across the state regarding this issue, labeling this movement as another “Bhasha Andolon (Language Movement)”.
This initiative, however, has faced backlash, as the original Bhasha Andolon was a significant movement in East Pakistan advocating for Bengali as an official language, which ultimately contributed to Bangladesh's independence in 1971.
The BJP has countered by accusing Banerjee of exploiting this sentiment to “protect illegal Bangladeshi migrants” instead of safeguarding “genuine Indian Bengalis.”
Point of View
It is crucial to present an unbiased perspective on Mamata Banerjee's claims. While her assertions of harassment against Bengali speakers raise significant concerns about human rights violations, the BJP's counterclaims emphasize the complexities of immigration and national security. A balanced dialogue is essential to address these pressing issues in our society.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basis of Mamata Banerjee's claims?
Mamata Banerjee cites a report from Human Rights Watch, which highlights harassment and persecution of Bengali-speaking individuals in BJP-ruled states.
How has the BJP responded to these allegations?
The BJP has accused Mamata Banerjee of misusing sentiments to protect illegal Bangladeshi migrants rather than addressing the concerns of genuine Indian Bengalis.
