On the birth anniversary of celebrated poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee renewed her call for strengthening Hindu-Muslim unity in India, quoting the poet’s famous lines to underscore the message of communal harmony.
Taking to her official X handle on Monday, Banerjee cited the poet’s words: “Mora eki brinte duti kusum Hindu-Musalman”, meaning “Hindus and Muslims are like two flowers on the same stem.”
She also highlighted her government’s efforts to honour the legacy of Nazrul Islam, affectionately known in Bengal as the “Bidrohi Kobi” or “Rebel Poet.” “We named Kazi Nazrul University near his birthplace in Asansol, the Greenfield airport in Andal after him, as well as Nazrul Tirtha and the West Bengal Kazi Nazrul Islam Academy. We have also published various research works on his contributions. Nazrul continues to inspire us in times of crisis,” she said.
A senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that the Chief Minister’s message was also a subtle warning against any attempts to incite communal tensions amid the current India-Pakistan conflict.
He said, “Our party stands firmly behind the Union government’s national security efforts. However, we oppose those who try to exploit the situation to divide communities along religious lines. The CM’s message reflects this sentiment.”
While Banerjee refrained from directly commenting on Operation Sindoor—in which Indian armed forces reportedly targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir—her stance was described as “measured and mature.” The party leadership also reprimanded a few TMC leaders who made insensitive remarks regarding the operation.
