'Pains me deeply': Mamata Banerjee slams 'ghuspaithiya' tag on Bengalis, pledges to stand against 'divisive forces'

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday alleged that "divisive forces" are targeting Bengali-speaking people by calling them "ghuspaithiya" (illegal infiltrators). She said such attempts are an attack on constitutional values and Bengal's identity.

In a post on X, Banerjee said she will "not allow any force to damage the state's culture, heritage". Without naming any political party, she said narrow-minded politics is trying to divide society. "We shall never allow Bengal's identity to be undermined," she said.

Bhasha Dibas observance and awards

On the occasion of International Mother Language Day on Saturday, February 21, the Chief Minister paid floral tribute at the Bhasha Smriti Stambha at Deshapriya Park in Kolkata. She remembered the martyrs who fought for the right to speak their mother tongue. She said their sacrifice turned language into a symbol of democracy and self-respect.

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The Chief Minister also presented the Banga Bibhushan and Banga Bhushan awards to eminent personalities.

Call for unity in diversity

Mamata Banerjee stressed that Bengal and India are lands of many languages and cultures. She said as Bengalis love Bangla, they also respect Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Kurukh, Kurmali, Rajbanshi, Santali, Kamtapuri, Sadri, and other languages spoken in the state.

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She said every language carries history and aspirations. Unity in diversity, she added, is India's greatest strength. Expressing pain over reports of Bengali-speaking people being harassed, the West Bengal CM said labelling them as infiltrators is unacceptable. She pledged that no communal or divisive force would be allowed to break Bengal's harmony.

She urged people to renew their commitment to protect linguistic pride and uphold the inclusive and secular values that define the state.