Protest rally in Kolkata against harassment of Bengalis in BJP-ruled states
Kolkata: A protest rally was held in Kolkata to denounce the growing harassment of Bengali-speaking people in different Indian states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
According to Kashmir Media Service, the march was led by CPI(M) Politburo member and West Bengal State Secretary, Md. Salim. The rally started from the base of the Lenin Statue in the Esplanade area and concluded at Ramlila Park near Moulali.
Addressing the protestors, Md. Salim criticized the BJP for its divisive agenda, accusing the party of deliberately targeting Bengali-speaking citizens across various states. “Bengalis are being harassed and labelled as illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators in BJP-ruled states. The Assembly elections are due in Bihar and West Bengal, and these tactics are part of BJP’s strategy to polarize,” he said.
He further said that the Election Commission of India is conducting a special revision of voters’ lists in a manner that puts Bengali-speaking citizens at risk of being classified as ‘doubtful voters.’
Salim stressed that internal migration is a constitutional right, and Indian citizens have the freedom to live and work anywhere in the country. “The Modi government must ensure social security and protection for economically vulnerable groups like migrant labourers who are suffering due to this targeted harassment,” he added.
