Mamata Banerjee Demands Dignity for Bengali Migrants at Durga Puja Event
Mamata urges end to harassment of Bengali migrant workers.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised alarm over reports of alleged harassment faced by Bengali-speaking migrant laborers in various parts of India, urging respect for all languages and cultures during her speech at the inauguration of the Sribhumi Durga Puja in Kolkata’s Lake Town on Saturday. Emphasizing India’s ethos of unity in diversity, Banerjee called for an end to divisive conspiracies that threaten national cohesion.
“In Bengal, different communities celebrate Durga Puja together, exemplifying our unique spirit,” Banerjee said, invoking the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahansa to highlight that diverse paths lead to the same goal. She expressed dismay at the mistreatment of Bengali migrant workers, stating, “I respect my mother tongue. Others should also respect Bengali. Bengali-speaking migrant workers should not be harassed.” Noting that 22 lakh Bengalis work outside the state while 1.5 crore migrants reside in West Bengal, she stressed the need for mutual respect to maintain national unity.
Banerjee also addressed concerns about inclement weather, given Bengal’s geographic vulnerability to floods from heavy rainfall in neighboring states like Jharkhand and Bihar. “We are keeping a watch on the situation,” she assured, expressing hope for a rain-free Durga Puja, a festival eagerly awaited by lakhs of people. The Chief Minister announced plans to inaugurate 3,000 pujas, mostly virtually, in the lead-up to the five-day festival, alongside the release of 17 songs penned by her on Mahalaya, marking the start of Devi Paksha.
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Further highlighting her government’s cultural initiatives, Banerjee revealed plans to establish a ‘Durgangan’ (Durga temple) in Kolkata, following the Jagannath Temple project in Digha, Purba Medinipur. During the day, she also inaugurated the Hatibagan Durga Puja and Tala Prottoy Puja, clarifying that she was opening the pandals—showcasing Bengal’s rich heritage and aesthetics—rather than unveiling deities, which is reserved for Mahalaya.
Banerjee’s remarks underscore her commitment to protecting Bengal’s cultural identity and its migrant workforce while fostering inclusivity, as she navigates the state through festive preparations and regional challenges.
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