Mamata to lead rally for Bengali migrants’ rights
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will lead a protest march in Kolkata on July 16 to highlight alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in BJP-ruled states. The march, organised by her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), will begin at College Square at 1 pm and end at Dorina Crossing.
What Triggers the Protest
The rally responds to reports that Bengali-speaking migrants have been detained, evicted, or labelled “Bangladeshis” in states like Delhi, Odisha, Assam, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Haryana. The TMC says these actions include removal of essential services such as water and electricity, despite migrants holding valid Indian identity documents.
TMC Leaders Speak Out
Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said the protest defends Bengal’s dignity and language, accusing BJP-governed states of targeting Bengali speakers. TMC MP Samirul Islam also cited an incident in Pune where Matua community members carrying proper ID were reportedly detained as Bangladeshis. The TMC has appealed for nationwide support, with similar rallies planned across Bengal and in Delhi between 2 pm and 4 pm on the same day.
Political and Electoral Context
The July 16 rally comes just days before TMC’s annual Martyrs’ Day rally on July 21 and ahead of the 2026 state elections. Political analysts say the protest is both a defence of migrant rights and a strategic move to galvanise Bengali identity ahead of the polls.
What to Watch
The West Bengal government is expected to take legal action on behalf of affected migrants. Police and civic authorities in Kolkata have made security and crowd-control arrangements to manage the protest. With tensions rising over language and citizenship rights, the outcome of this demonstration may shape discourse ahead of the next election.
