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Key Points

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly criticized the alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled states. She emphasized the cultural richness of Bengali through references to iconic figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Subhash Chandra Bose. During a Kanyashree Day event, she highlighted the scheme's success in empowering women, with over 93 lakh beneficiaries. Banerjee stressed the importance of protecting linguistic diversity and supporting women's education and rights.

Key Points: Mamata Calls Out Bengali Harassment in BJP-Ruled States

  • Mamata denounces language-based discrimination in other states
  • Celebrates Kanyashree scheme benefiting 93 lakh women
  • Highlights cultural significance of Bengali language
  • Calls for respect for linguistic diversity
2 min read

Mamata Banerjee reiterates 'harassment' of 'Bengali-speaking' people

Mamata Banerjee highlights discrimination against Bengali-speakers, defends cultural identity while celebrating Kanyashree women's empowerment

"Those who came as refugees are now citizens of our country - Mamata Banerjee"

Kolkata, Aug 14

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday reiterated her allegations that Bengali-speaking people were being harassed in the BJP-ruled states.

"Those who are trying to discriminate against Bengalis do have any idea of the language that icons like Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Kavi Nazrul Islam and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose spoke? Those who came as refugees to our country are now considered as citizens of our country. If there are illegal infiltrators, the Union government can take action against them, and I have nothing to say on that. But there should be unnecessary harassment of people just because they speak in Bengali" the Chief Minister said while addressing a function to celebrate the 'Kanyashree Day'.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that she had received news that one person was not allowed to rent a room at a hotel in Noida just because he was speaking in Bengali.

"There is a necessity to learn the English language. But that does not mean that Bengali will be a forgotten language," the Chief Minister said.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that currently over 93 lakh young women in West Bengal have benefited from the state government's Kanyashree scheme. Our target is to ensure the figure crosses 1 crore soon," the Chief Minister said.

"I always think that a society where women are not well off can never be well off. Empowerment of women is necessary for the development of society. It is my pride that today there are more than 93 lakh 'Kanyashree women' in our state. Seventeen and a half thousand crore taka has been handed over to them under this project. We don't just talk about women's empowerment. We do it," she said.

'Kanyashree Prakalpa' is a targeted conditional cash transfer scheme aimed at checking child marriage and retaining girls in schools and other educational institutions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate Didi standing up for Bengalis, she should also address the reverse discrimination happening in Bengal against Hindi speakers. Why make this one-sided? Unity in diversity should work both ways.
R
Rohit P
Kanyashree scheme is truly revolutionary! More states should implement such programs for girls' education. But mixing it with language politics dilutes the good work being done.
S
Sarah B
As an expat in Kolkata, I've learned Bengali to connect with locals. The language is so rich and beautiful! It's sad to hear about discrimination based on language anywhere in India.
V
Vikram M
The hotel incident in Noida is unacceptable if true. But Mamata ji should provide concrete proof before making such serious allegations. Political leaders must be responsible with their words.
K
Kavya N
Bengali is one of India's classical languages! From Tagore to Satyajit Ray, it has given so much to our culture. We should celebrate all Indian languages equally. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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