Firhad Hakim says Bengali is identity of Bengal, alleges BJP using language as political weapon

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim said that the Bengali language is “like life itself to us” and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of politicizing language issues. Speaking at a program at the Kolkata Municipal Corporation headquarters on the occasion of International Mother Language Day, he described Bengali as deeply intertwined with the culture, history and identity of the people of West Bengal.

Addressing the gathering, Hakim said the soil of West Bengal has always shown special respect toward languages and diversity. “We respect all languages mutually. India is a country of diversity, and every language here has its own pride and importance. But it is not right to impose any one language or to engage in politics in the name of language,” he stated.

The Mayor directly targeted the BJP, alleging that the party was using language as a political weapon. “Language is a means to unite people, but some are turning it into a tool of division. The BJP government is doing politics in the name of language, which the people of the state will outright reject,” he said. He added that the people of Bengal remain conscious about their linguistic and cultural identity and will not accept any form of cultural or linguistic pressure.

Emphasizing India’s multilingual character, Hakim said all communities and languages in Bengal are respected. He mentioned Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu among others, while reiterating that Bengali remains the mother tongue closely linked to the state’s existence. He also encouraged the youth to learn other languages alongside their mother tongue to advance nationally and globally.

The event featured poetry recitations, songs and theatrical performances highlighting linguistic diversity. Students, artists, educators and social activists attended the program. Concluding his speech, the Mayor said language is not merely a means of communication but a symbol of identity and heritage, urging people to foster respect for all languages and reject divisive politics amid the prevailing election atmosphere.