Synopsis: Bengali Identity becomes the centerpiece of West Bengal politics as Mamata Banerjee calls a special Assembly session with two resolutions aimed at attacking BJP over migrant harassment and voter roll revision.
By Dr. Mohammad Farooque | Qalam Times News Network |
Kolkata | August 30, 2025
Bengali Identity as Political Weapon
Bengali identity has once again become the rallying cry in West Bengal’s political battleground. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, after attending the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad’s foundation day program at Dharmatala’s Mayo Road on Thursday, returned to Nabanna and immediately directed her government to convene a special Assembly session.
According to sources, this four-day special session beginning Monday will feature two key resolutions designed to put the BJP on the defensive: one condemning attacks on Bengali-speaking workers in BJP-ruled states, and another opposing the Election Commission’s plan for a Special Intensive Review (SIR) of the voters’ list.
Twin Resolutions Against BJP
Reports suggest that in states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Odisha, Bengali-speaking migrant workers have faced police harassment, intimidation, and even pushbacks across the Bangladesh border. Mamata Banerjee has been consistently vocal against such assaults, framing them as attacks on Bengali identity and dignity.
The Trinamool leadership believes that raising this issue in the Assembly will sharpen its confrontation with the BJP while consolidating support at home. Alongside, the second resolution is likely to oppose the SIR process—accused by TMC of being a tool to arbitrarily remove legitimate voters ahead of next year’s Bengal elections.
Assembly Schedule and Strategy
The Business Advisory Committee will meet on Monday under Speaker Biman Banerjee to finalize the three-day agenda. Sources in the Assembly Secretariat indicate that the first day will be adjourned after obituary references, while Tuesday will see discussion on the resolution against attacks on Bengalis in BJP-ruled states. Wednesday is a holiday for Karam Puja, and Thursday—the final day—will be devoted to debate on the SIR issue.
A senior TMC leader remarked, “The Chief Minister wants to sharpen the weapon of Bengali identity ahead of the 2026 elections. She has instructed the party to continue movements on the streets and simultaneously record the concerns in the Assembly.”
Opposition Awaits the Battle
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and the BJP legislative party are closely watching the developments. Insiders reveal that BJP members have been asked not to comment until the agenda is officially released, after which they will launch their counter-strategy.
Bengali Identity: The Chief Minister’s Chosen Arena
This is not the first time Mamata Banerjee has used the Assembly as a platform for urgent issues. On the same date last year, she had announced a special session to draft new laws after the shocking rape and murder of a young doctor at R.G. Kar Hospital. This time, her chosen weapon is Bengali identity—turning cultural pride and community grievances into a political shield against her rivals.
