"Don't disturb me or I will speak Bengali all over India", says Mamata; Questions about Rohingyas

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while leading a protest in Kolkata amid heavy rain, made a series of strong statements targeting the central government, BJP, and CPM. Referring to Bengal's historical contribution to India’s independence, she said, “The Bengal that gave birth to the freedom struggle will now teach the Modi government a lesson.”

She accused the Centre of mistreating Bengali-speaking citizens, especially migrant workers, in BJP-ruled states. Banerjee claimed that 22 lakh workers from Bengal are being harassed for speaking in Bengali, and alleged that a central government notification instructing action against Bengali speakers had been secretly sent to those states. “Is Bengal not a state of this country?” she asked. She also said that she would now speak more in Bengali, adding, “Do whatever you want.”

Mamata Banerjee addressed cultural identity issues as well. “Who eats samosa, who eats singhara, or thekua — why should the Modi government care?” she asked. Defending linguistic diversity, she added, “If I’m disturbed in Bengal, I will travel the whole country and speak in Bengali everywhere.” She questioned the Centre’s role in illegal immigration by asking, “Where did the Rohingyas come from?” and countered claims that she would turn Bengal into Bangladesh by saying, “How is that even possible?”

Targeting opposition parties, Banerjee said, “CPM has no shame,” and alleged that the CPM is dreaming of returning to power in Bengal by colluding with the BJP and resorting to violence. She also defended the inclusivity of Kolkata, stating, “90% of the people in Kolkata Municipal Corporation are Biharis — that’s their capability.”