Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated several Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata on Saturday, including Hatibagan Sarbojonin, Tala Prottoy and Sreebhumi Sporting. Despite the festive mood, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief used the occasion to highlight the plight of migrant workers and the alleged atrocities faced by Bengalis in other states.
Speaking at the Sreebhumi Sporting Club Puja inauguration, Mamata strongly condemned incidents where Bengalis were allegedly harassed for speaking their mother tongue. “I respect all languages. Let anyone respect their mother tongue, there is no problem. But being persecuted for speaking Bengali cannot be accepted,” the Chief Minister said.
In recent months, TMC leaders have repeatedly accused other states of targeting Bengalis, claiming they are unfairly branded as “Bangladeshis.” Mamata reiterated that such discrimination is unacceptable.
Highlighting the contribution of migrant workers, the TMC supremo said, “The workers of Bengal are taken outside because they are skilled, talented. Twenty-two lakh work outside, and 1.5 crore people work within the state.” She used the stage to urge the nation to stay united, emphasising dignity and equality for all.
As in previous years, Mamata began inaugurating Durga Puja pandals well before Mahalaya. However, this tradition has not been without controversy. The BJP has accused her of insulting Hindu sentiments by inaugurating puja celebrations prematurely.
Defending herself, Mamata clarified during the Hatibagan Sarbojonin Puja inauguration, “I am only inaugurating the pandal. I do not inaugurate the Matrimurti before Mahalaya.”
According to sources, the Chief Minister will continue inaugurating prominent pujas over the next few days. On Sunday, she is expected at Naktala Udayan Sangha, 95 Palli, Jodhpur Park, Babubagan and Chetla Agrani.
Next day, her schedule includes Alipur Sarvajanin, Chetla Kolahal Gosthi, Behala Notun Dal, Barisha, Haridevpur 41 Palli, Ajeyo Samhati, Basupur Talbagan, Basupur Sheetala Mandir, Gariahat Hindusthan Club and Kalighat Milan Sangha.
The busiest day will be September 23, when she is slated to inaugurate Mudiyali, Shiv Mandir, Samaj Sebi, Ballygunge Cultural, Tridhara, 66 Palli, Badamtala, Adi Ballygunge, Ekdalia and Singhi Park.
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