The BRICS TimesWest Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised the issue of alleged harassment of Bengalis in other states. She claimed migrant workers were targeted for speaking Bengali. Ahead of the polls, she strongly challenged the BJP, saying Bengal’s leadership will always remain with Bengalis.
Mamata Banerjee Raises Voice for Bengalis in Other States
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee once again highlighted the alleged harassment of Bengalis outside the state. Just ahead of the Assembly elections, she firmly declared that she would not allow the BJP to capture even an inch of ground. Addressing a gathering in Jalpaiguri, she asserted that Bengalis will govern Bengal, not people from Delhi.
The ruling Trinamool Congress has been focusing on Bengali pride as a key poll agenda. The party has already initiated a language movement to strengthen regional identity. Speaking on this, Mamata said, “We have already brought back 24,000 migrant worker families. They will receive the benefits of the Swasthya Sathi health card.”
“Speak More Bengali, Don’t Fear Harassment” – Mamata’s Call
Mamata Banerjee accused other states of targeting Bengali workers just because they speak their mother tongue. She declared, “Workers face harassment only because they speak Bengali. I urge everyone to speak more Bengali. Let us see who has the courage and to what extent they can trouble us.”
The Chief Minister strongly condemned the notices being sent to residents of Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, Cooch Behar and nearby regions, allegedly pushing them towards Bangladesh simply for speaking Bengali. She said even tribal girls were not being spared. With a firm tone, she thundered, “You cannot control Bengal. Bengalis will run Bengal, not Delhi.”
She further added, “Ayushman Yojana shows discrimination, but our Swasthya Sathi scheme treats everyone equally. Every citizen gets the same benefits without bias.”
“Bengalis Will Run Bengal, Not Delhi” – Banerjee’s Challenge
Mamata questioned the repeated attempts to undermine Bengal’s identity. She asked, “What wrong has Bengal done? No one can control Bengal. Bengalis will lead Bengal, not Delhi.”
Recalling national icons, she invoked Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore, and Khudiram Bose to inspire people. She stressed, “The true leader of the nation will be the one who understands the country. Those who divide on caste cannot be leaders of this nation. We will never surrender. We will never bow down.”
Mamata’s Assurance to Tourists Stranded in Nepal
Meanwhile, unrest has gripped Nepal due to protests against social media restrictions. The situation is slowly being brought under control, but several Bengali tourists remain stuck during their travels.
From an administrative meeting in Uttarkanya, the Chief Minister sent them a special message. She said, “As soon as I came to know about the problem in Nepal, I rushed here. I am monitoring the situation closely.” Mamata further assured, “Many tourists are stranded in Nepal. Please wait patiently. I will gradually bring them back safely.”
