– Shabana Javed
Kolkata: In a significant political move ahead of the annual Martyrs’ Day event on July 21, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to lead a protest march here Wednesday. The protest, organised by the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), is in response to the alleged harassment and labelling of Bengali-speaking citizens as “Bangladeshi” in several BJP-governed states. The march will commence from College Square and proceed to Dorina Crossing, starting at 1 PM.
Minister of State for Finance, Chandrima Bhattacharya, confirmed that the Chief Minister will participate in the rally and may address a public meeting at its conclusion. Trinamool supporters from various regions including Howrah, Bhangarh, Dum Dum, and Salt Lake will join the Kolkata rally. Similar protest demonstrations will be held in all districts of West Bengal between 2 PM and 4 PM. Besides, the party has planned a parallel protest in Delhi.
“Insulting the Bengali language or branding Bengalis as ‘Bangladeshis’ is unacceptable. This is an affront to our identity and dignity. We will not tolerate it. Under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, we are taking to the streets to defend our culture and community,” said Minister Firhad Hakim. The Trinamool Congress refrains from launching major political programmes in the lead-up to its July 21 commemorative event. However, it has described this protest as an exception, driven by repeated instances of Bengalis being allegedly targeted in BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Delhi, and Karnataka.
The Trinamool has accused the central government of ignoring their prior appeals for intervention. Firhad Hakim said it had earlier submitted letters to both state and central authorities, urging action. As no effective measures were taken, the leadership has decided to escalate the matter through public demonstrations.
“This is not merely a political campaign; it’s a fight to preserve the cultural integrity and pride of Bengal,” the Trinamool emphasised. Meanwhile, a delegation of Trinamool MPs visited Jai Hind Colony in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj on Sunday to meet Bengali-speaking residents. Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, along with MPs Sagarika Ghosh and Saket Gokhale, spoke with several migrant workers who reportedly faced discrimination.
Following the visit, the party reaffirmed its support for Bengali migrants in Delhi, condemning what it described as continued abuse and stereotyping of Bengalis.
“We stand in solidarity with our Bengali brothers and sisters across India. The BJP’s treatment of Bengali migrant workers in the capital is deplorable and will not be tolerated,” stated the party.
