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New Delhi: In a significant political move, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reportedly decided to skip Prime Minister Narendra Modi's program in Kolkata on August 22nd, where he is scheduled to inaugurate the Dum Dum Metro project.
Sources indicate that Mamata's absence is likely a protest against the alleged harassment of Bengalis in various North Indian states, particularly in connection with their language.
The decision has already ignited political speculation and criticism. Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, has lashed out at Banerjee's move, accusing her of politicising every event and deliberately creating news. He stated that her absence is not due to issues with the railways but a personal vendetta against him, adding that a "courtesy visit" would have been appropriate.
Political analysts suggest that Banerjee's stance is a deliberate stand against what she perceives as an attempt to marginalise and suppress the Bengali identity and language. The Chief Minister's absence from the Prime Minister's event is seen as a powerful statement in solidarity with migrant workers from Bengal who, according to reports, face harassment for speaking their native language while working in other states.
This move aligns with the Trinamool Congress's (TMC) broader political campaign across India championing the cause of Bengali identity, a battle that has already seen significant traction in Parliament.
Adding another layer to the Chief Minister's decision, sources close to Banerjee suggest dissatisfaction with the behaviour of BJP workers during a previous government function at Nazrul Mancha.
At that event, where Banerjee shared the stage with Prime Minister Modi, the conduct of BJP workers reportedly did not meet her expectations, leading her to express her displeasure on stage. In the current climate, political analysts believe that, in a time when she is actively campaigning to "protect Bengal and Bengali identity," sharing the dais with the Prime Minister under these circumstances is untenable for her.
