Mamata to Lead Kolkata Rally Against Bengali Harassment
Protest targets harassment of Bengalis outside state
On July 16, 2025, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will spearhead a Trinamool Congress (TMC) procession in Kolkata to protest the alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking migrants in BJP-ruled states. The 2-km march, starting at 1 pm “‘from College Square and ending at Dorina Crossing, will see TMC leaders and supporters from Howrah, Bhangar, Dum Dum, and Salt Lake rally against reported discrimination in states like Odisha and Delhi’s Jai Hind Colony. State Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya highlighted claims of Bengalis facing threats, denial of essential services like water and electricity, and fears of NRC enforcement despite valid documentation.
Bhattacharya condemned the attacks as an assault on Bengali identity, accusing the BJP-led central government of inaction. District-level protests are planned across West Bengal from 2 pm to 4 pm, with a parallel event in New Delhi. Mamata, known for championing justice, aims to spotlight these grievances, Bhattacharya said.
BJP’s Sukanta Majumdar dismissed the rally as a TMC tactic to “play the Bengali card” ahead of elections, claiming the party is diverting attention from its failures. “Bengalis won’t be fooled this time,” he asserted, alleging political manipulation.
