TMC to take protests beyond Bengal, warns CM Banerjee

Kolkata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Wednesday that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) will extend its protests beyond Bengal against the alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking people in other states.

Addressing a large rally in Central Kolkata despite heavy rain, Banerjee accused the Assam and Odisha governments of targeting Bengalis. “The Assam government drove away 12 lakh people just because they didn’t speak Assamese. In Odisha, Bengali migrant workers are being harassed,” she said, warning both states to stop or face consequences.

She urged migrant workers from Bengal living in other states to return home. “We have everything here for you. Don’t stay there and face insults. If I have one piece of bread, I’ll share it with you,” Banerjee promised, adding that they should not trust BJP-ruled states.

Banerjee also targeted the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, calling it a strategy to manipulate elections. “They started with Bihar, which votes this year. Next will be Bengal, where elections are due next year. This trick was used in Delhi and Maharashtra too,” she said.

She pointed out that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar previously served under the Union Home Ministry, indirectly questioning his neutrality but added, “I respect the office.”

Banerjee was joined by TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee and other senior leaders. She asserted that TMC is prepared to protest anywhere in India if Bengalis are targeted.

The Chief Minister’s fiery speech signals a strong nationwide political push to protect Bengali identity and mobilize support ahead of crucial elections.