Targeting of Bengalis — Amid heavy monsoon downpours, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a significant protest rally in Kolkata against what she described as the “systematic harassment” of Bengali-speaking people in several BJP-ruled states. The rally, which began from College Square and concluded at Dorina Crossing, drew thousands of supporters, members of her cabinet, and key Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders.
The march was called to raise public concern over recent reports of Bengali-speaking migrants being detained, profiled, and in some cases labeled as illegal immigrants in states such as Odisha, Rajasthan, and Assam.
Core Accusation: Targeted Harassment of Bengalis
Mamata Banerjee addressed the gathering with powerful words:
“Is West Bengal not a part of India? Why are Bengali-speaking people being treated as infiltrators in their own country?”
She accused BJP-ruled states of deliberately targeting Bengalis, especially migrant workers, under the guise of documentation checks and National Register of Citizens (NRC) enforcement. The Chief Minister cited multiple incidents in recent months where Bengali workers, even with valid Aadhaar and voter IDs, were detained or subjected to questioning about their citizenship.
Protest Route and Security Measures
Despite continuous rain, thousands of protesters walked with Mamata Banerjee from College Square through central Kolkata. The police deployed extensive security, rerouted traffic, and ensured the peaceful conduct of the event. Mamata walked at the front of the procession holding a placard that read: “Stop Harassing Bengali Migrants”.
Kolkata Police estimated that over 1,500 officers were stationed along the route. The use of CCTV cameras and drone surveillance was authorized to monitor the large crowd, as both supporters and curious onlookers filled the streets.
Trigger Incidents Behind the Protest
Several incidents led to Mamata’s call for the march:
- In Odisha, around 200 Bengali-speaking workers were reportedly detained on suspicion of being illegal immigrants. Local media reported that these individuals were later released but only after prolonged questioning.
- In Rajasthan, Mamata alleged that over 300 workers from Bengal were wrongfully detained and interrogated about their citizenship.
- In Assam, fresh notices were served to several Bengali-origin residents under NRC and foreigners’ tribunal provisions.
These incidents were framed by the TMC as examples of ethnic profiling and misuse of state machinery to harass a linguistic minority.
Mamata’s Stand on Language and Identity
Speaking from a makeshift stage near Dorina Crossing, Mamata Banerjee declared:
“If speaking Bengali is a crime, arrest me first. I will speak in my mother tongue louder than ever.”
She accused the BJP of running a campaign to marginalize Bengali culture and identity in India. Mamata’s remarks were met with loud cheers and chants of “Didi, Didi” from the crowd.
The protest also echoed sentiments from her earlier campaigns centered on Bengali pride. By framing the issue as an attack on cultural and linguistic identity, Mamata is building an emotional narrative ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Political and Legal Context
Bengal has a long history of intra-national migration. Millions of Bengalis live and work across India, particularly in states like Maharashtra, Delhi, and Gujarat. Many migrate as daily wage laborers, construction workers, and service providers.
TMC leaders argue that recent attempts to “verify documents” or question the legitimacy of these workers have crossed ethical and constitutional boundaries. Mamata claimed that some states are misusing the NRC framework to suppress migrant voices.
She warned that her government would take legal action and raise the matter in Parliament, stating:
“We will not remain silent when our people are treated like foreigners in their own nation.”
Targeting of Bengalis: Response from the Opposition
BJP leaders in Bengal criticized the rally, accusing Mamata of politicizing the issue to divert attention from governance failures. BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari said:
“There is no targeting of Bengalis. The issue is about national security and illegal immigration. Mamata Banerjee is trying to confuse the public.”
BJP leaders from other states also clarified that legal procedures were being followed and that no community was being specifically targeted. They defended the documentation drives as standard practice.
Wider Implications
The protest highlighted tensions between center and state governments, especially over sensitive issues like identity verification, citizenship, and migration. It also brought renewed focus on the NRC and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), both of which remain contentious in Bengal.
Mamata’s protest comes at a time when opposition parties across India are seeking to form a coalition against the ruling party in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections. Her rally is being seen as both a cultural assertion and a political statement.
What’s Next
Mamata Banerjee announced that her government would:
- Set up a helpline and legal aid center for migrant workers from Bengal facing harassment outside the state.
- Deploy officials from the Migrant Workers’ Welfare Board to document and assist those in trouble.
- Raise the issue with the National Human Rights Commission and Union Home Ministry.
She also hinted at organizing similar protests in other states where Bengali-speaking communities have reportedly faced discrimination.
Public Reaction
Among the participants were students, labor unions, civil society groups, and cultural activists. Many held placards reading “Bengali is not a crime” and “Respect our identity.”
Several participants expressed fear about sending family members to work in other states. A migrant worker’s wife from North 24 Parganas said:
“My husband works in Odisha. Now we fear he may be arrested despite having all papers.”
Conclusion
Mamata Banerjee’s Kolkata march marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over identity, citizenship, and regional autonomy. Asserting the rights of Bengalis across India, Mamata has positioned herself as a defender of cultural dignity in an increasingly polarized political landscape.
While critics may view this as political theater ahead of elections, for many in Bengal, the message was clear: their identity, language, and place in the Indian republic cannot be questioned.
Official External Links
- Government of West Bengal – Official Portal
- Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
- Election Commission of India
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