Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Feb 22: A day after International Mother Language Day was marked across West Bengal, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday expressed anguish over what she described as attempts to brand Bengali-speaking people as “ghuspaithiya” (illegal infiltrators), calling such actions humiliating and unconstitutional.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Banerjee said she was “deeply pained” that divisive elements were allegedly maligning those who speak Bangla and subjecting them to harassment and persecution. Without naming any political party, her remarks appeared to be directed at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has frequently raised concerns about illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltration in the state and their alleged inclusion in electoral rolls.

The chief minister asserted that any attempt to undermine Bengal’s cultural identity or heritage in the name of narrow politics would be firmly resisted. “Such actions strike at the very heart of constitutional values. We shall never allow Bengal’s culture, heritage or identity to be undermined by intolerance,” she said.

Emphasising India’s linguistic and cultural diversity, Banerjee noted that while Bengalis cherish their mother tongue, they equally respect other languages spoken across the country. She listed Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Kurukh, Kurmali, Rajbanshi, Santali, Kamtapuri and Sadri among the many languages that form part of the state’s social fabric.

Describing unity in diversity as India’s greatest strength, the chief minister reiterated her commitment to defending Bengal’s linguistic and cultural ethos against what she termed divisive narratives.