Will Opposition Unity Address the Issues of Bengali-Speaking People in Odisha and Assam?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Allegations against Bengali-speaking individuals as illegal infiltrators are serious.
- Trinamool Congress is vocal about the need for Opposition unity.
- The Special Intensive Review could have far-reaching implications.
- Virtual attendance of key leaders reflects the ongoing commitment to these issues.
- Future coordination in Parliament is essential for addressing these challenges.
Kolkata, July 19 (NationPress) Allegations of harassment faced by Bengali-speaking individuals in Odisha, Assam, and Delhi—after being labeled as illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators—along with the Special Intensive Review (SIR) and the need for Opposition unity, are set to be significant topics at the upcoming INDIA Bloc meeting this evening, as highlighted by the Trinamool Congress.
The meeting will see the virtual attendance of Abhishek Banerjee, General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress and a Lok Sabha member, following a last-minute decision by party leadership.
“The ongoing harassment of Bengali-speaking individuals in states governed by the BJP, who are branded as illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, is currently the most pressing matter in the country,” remarked a senior member of the Trinamool Congress, who preferred to remain unnamed.
“As the only party actively leading the movement against this issue, our Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has already emphasized the necessity of a united front among all Opposition parties regarding this matter,” they added.
“Our General Secretary is anticipated to relay this message to the INDIA Bloc partners during the meeting this evening,” the source noted.
Initially, the Trinamool Congress had chosen to forgo the INDIA Bloc meeting due to party leaders being preoccupied with preparations for the annual Martyrs’ Day rally on July 21. However, it was later decided that Abhishek Banerjee would participate virtually.
Additionally, a key issue to be presented by the General Secretary at the INDIA Bloc meeting will be the Special Intensive Review initiated by the Election Commission of India (ECI), which is expected to commence in West Bengal next month, according to sources from the Trinamool Congress.
“Our Chief Minister has clearly articulated the party’s position that this Special Intensive Review is a tactic aimed at indirectly implementing NRC in West Bengal. Our General Secretary is expected to further elaborate on this stance during the INDIA Bloc meeting tonight,” the source conveyed.
This evening's INDIA Bloc meeting, occurring after some time, is anticipated to address coordination among various issues for the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.