“Used only during elections”: Abhishek Banerjee corners BJP on Kurmali language Eighth Schedule demand

Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee launched a sharp political attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the long-pending demand for constitutional recognition of the Kurmali language. Addressing a large public rally in Jhargram, he accused the central government of neglecting the cultural and linguistic identity of tribal and local communities in the Jangalmahal region.

Abhishek Banerjee said that the demand for inclusion of Kurmali in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution has existed for decades but has not been fulfilled despite repeated appeals. He alleged that for the BJP, regional identity issues are used only during elections, while the Trinamool Congress treats them as matters of cultural respect and belonging.

He further argued that the continued delay in granting recognition to Kurmali amounts to injustice towards the Kurmi and other local communities who speak the language across West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. He questioned the central government’s long tenure in power, asking why no concrete step had been taken so far to address the demand.

Abhishek Banerjee also accused the BJP of engaging in divisive politics based on language, religion and caste. He asserted that the Trinamool Congress, under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, has consistently worked to protect regional identity and tribal interests, urging voters in Jangalmahal to support forces that respect local culture beyond electoral cycles.