CM highlighted alleged discrimination against Bengali-speaking people outside West Bengal. (Image Credits: Moneycontrol)
During a speech in Bardhaman, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee outlined the state's urgent problems. Concerns regarding the Election Commission's impartiality, the central government's alleged withholding of funding, and the Bengali language debate were the main subjects of her speech. Although she respects the prime minister's perspective, Banerjee made it clear that Bengalis should also be treated with equal dignity and that their culture should not be disparaged.
“The Bengali language is our identity. I will not tolerate any insult to it,” Banerjee declared, urging both the central government and the Election Commission to acknowledge Bengal’s contributions and rights. She criticized the NDA-led government for treating her state differently compared to others in terms of fund allocation.
The Chief Minister alleged that the central government has withheld funds meant for West Bengal. She questioned the logic behind labeling Bengal as a state of “thieves,” comparing it with Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar, where she argued corruption is higher under BJP rule.
Banerjee further pointed out that Bengali-speaking people face discrimination outside West Bengal. “While outsiders in Bengal work with dignity, the Bengali people face oppression in BJP-ruled states. We do not oppress them like this; why are they oppressed elsewhere?” she said. Her statements underscore the ongoing tensions between the state and the central government regarding both cultural and financial issues.
The Chief Minister strongly cautioned the Election Commission not to become a “lollipop” or ally of the BJP, adding that the people would not forgive the poll body if it supported any party unfairly. In light of the impending local and national elections, she emphasized the significance of impartiality in ensuring free and fair elections in West Bengal.
Banerjee also addressed the ongoing Bengali language controversy, stating that it was unjust to link Bengal with Bangladesh due to the shared language. She emphasized that no political power should insult the language or use it as a pretext for discrimination. “I will not accept the language dispute; I will not tolerate insult to the Bengali language. Today you are in power, so you are doing this to Bengal; you are withholding all the money of Bengal,” she said.
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Mamata Banerjee’s speech comes amid rising political tensions between West Bengal and the central government, with disputes over fund allocation, minority and linguistic rights, and Election Commission neutrality becoming central talking points. Bengal, a state that prides itself on its culture, has often been at the forefront of debates over language and governance, therefore Banerjee's comments resonate deeply with her supporters.
