Mamata: We embrace workers from other states, but why are Bengalis assaulted there?
Times of India | 27 August 2025
Kolkata/Burdwan: Why were Bengalis assaulted in Odisha, Mumbai, UP or Gujarat, even though migrant workers from other states were "loved and embraced" here, asked CM Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday. Saying that the "world salutes our talent", the CM took on BJP, adding, "President Trump chased away Gujaratis from the US with their hands in shackles... he could not do that to Bengalis.
"Addressing BJP, the CM said, "Do you not consider Bengal's people as human beings?" She went on to say: "There are 22 lakh migrant workers from Bengal working in different states. They have been employed because of their skill, not because someone took pity on them. Yet today, they are being tortured and assaulted. I have been informed that a brother of mine, assaulted in Mumbai, has passed away in Habra. There are many such cases.
"Recounting how many have been harassed by police just for speaking Bangla, the CM said, "If people speak in Bengali, they are refused at hotels, not allowed to work, not allowed to study. We respect all languages, we'll speak in them... but why won't we speak Bangla? BJP cannot tolerate Bengal. Two national anthems were written in Bangla.
" | Gold Rates Today in Kolkata | Silver Rates Today in Kolkata"Whichever dialect we speak, we will say ‘Joy Bangla' in a united thunderous voice. No matter how much you hate us, we will not tolerate linguistic persecution," Banerjee added.
Urging migrant workers to return to Bengal, the CM said, "I have made a scheme for you. You will receive Rs 5,000 as travelling cost immediately upon your return. You will receive another Rs 5,000 every month for a year until you become financially stable. You will get Khadya Sathi and Swasthya Sathi benefits. You won't have to pay for children's education. As long as we are alive, we will ensure that your future is not ruined.