West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the central government from a public meeting at Dorina Crossing in central Kolkata’s Esplanade on Wednesday, warning that the TMC will not remain silent if Bengali-speaking people continue to be targeted across the country.
After leading a protest march, she declared that if the Centre creates problems in Bengal, she would travel across India to fight back.
“I was elected by the people of Bengal. I have the right to work here. If you try to obstruct us, I will go across the country and answer you. Let me see how much you can stop me,” Mamata said defiantly from the stage.
The Chief Minister expressed serious concern over alleged mistreatment of Bengali-speaking communities, particularly targeting the Matuas, a Hindu religious sect comprising refugees from Bangladesh, in Maharashtra. “When you want votes, you knock on the doors of Matuas, but when the opportunity arises, you torture them,” she said, accusing the BJP-led governments of hypocrisy and oppression.
She further alleged that around a thousand Bengali speakers have already been arrested, kept in lockups and even pushed into detention camps. “Many have also been deported back to Bangladesh,” Mamata claimed, calling it a systematic campaign of harassment.
Also read: Mangoes for Modi, Mamata as Bangladesh looks to heal rift
Mamata also brought up the situation in Chhattisgarh, where Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra has reportedly gone to assist Bengali speakers facing legal and administrative trouble. She reminded the audience that TMC MPs had previously sat on a 48-hour dharna in Delhi to protest similar incidents of abuse and discrimination.
Taking strong exception to the Assam government’s recent move to issue notices to residents of Cooch Behar, she asked, “What right do they have to harass the people of Bengal like this?” The Chief Minister questioned the legal and moral authority behind such actions targeting Bengal’s citizens.
Turning her attention to the opposition in Bengal, Mamata criticised both the Congress and CPI(M), accusing them of aligning with the BJP. “They are finished politically, yet shamelessly they have united with the BJP. They are dreaming of Keshpur and Garbeta again after getting people’s names removed from the voter list. Today, Ram, Baam and BJP have become Jagai, Madhai and Gadai,” she said, mocking the alliance.
Addressing the plight of migrant workers from Bengal, Mamata made an emotional appeal. "If I have a loaf of bread, I’ll give you half. Don’t leave the state only to be insulted and disrespected outside. Don’t trust the BJP— they have become dangerous,” she warned.
Ending her speech with a strong message, the Chief Minister declared that the TMC would lead a nationwide protest if the persecution of Bengali-speaking people continues. “We will not be silent. If you touch our people anywhere, Trinamool will rise everywhere,” she said.
The fiery remarks come amid growing political tension between the Centre and the West Bengal government, with Mamata positioning herself as a vocal defender of Bengali identity and rights beyond state borders.
Follow us
