Stalin Criticizes Delhi Police Over ‘Bangladeshi Language’ Remark
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has strongly condemned a statement made by the Delhi Police referring to Bengali as a “Bangladeshi language,” calling it a direct insult to India’s national anthem. His criticism comes in support of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who earlier expressed outrage over the language reference.
Delhi Police Report Sparks Political Backlash
The controversy erupted after the Delhi Police submitted a charge sheet in which it allegedly described Bengali as a “Bangladeshi language” while detailing a case involving certain individuals accused of making provocative remarks. The statement, buried in legal documentation, quickly escalated into a political flashpoint once public attention turned to the phrasing.
Stalin said that terming Bengali as a foreign language is not only factually incorrect but deeply offensive, especially because India’s national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” is written in Bengali. He emphasized that such mischaracterizations undermine the nation’s linguistic diversity and unity.
Support for Mamata Banerjee’s Objection
Backing Mamata Banerjee’s protest, Stalin stated that such “irresponsible and divisive comments” from a national law enforcement agency threaten to alienate entire linguistic communities. He also pointed out that Bengali is one of the 22 official languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, and such remarks reflect poorly on the government’s sensitivity to cultural matters.
Banerjee had earlier called the police language “insulting” and demanded a clarification, saying that it portrayed Bengalis unfairly and contributed to communal division.
Demand for Clarification
Stalin urged the Union Government and the Ministry of Home Affairs to take immediate note and issue a correction, adding that the Centre must train institutions to be respectful toward India’s multilingual identity. Opposition leaders from various states, including Kerala and Punjab, also expressed solidarity with the protest against the remark.
As the issue continues to gather political momentum, the Centre has yet to respond formally. Civil rights groups and Bengali cultural organizations have also begun voicing concern and are expected to organize protests in the coming days.
