Mamata Banerjee says BJP targeting Bengal migrants in Delhi: ‘Our people treated as infiltrators'
Accusing the BJP of 'exporting their anti-Bengal agenda to other parts of the country in a strategic and systemic manner,' the CM said she would raise the issue in every forum.
In a post on her X handle, the chief minister alleged that the Delhi government cut off the water and power supplies to force them to evacuate. 'I am deeply disturbed by the alarming news of harassment emerging from Jai Hind Colony in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi— a settlement predominantly inhabited by Bengalis who built the city as part of its unorganised workforce,' she wrote.
'Their water supply was reportedly cut on orders from the BJP-led government. Electricity meters were confiscated and power was abruptly cut the day before yesterday. Residents also claim Delhi Police, backed by RAF personnel, blocked private water tankers they had arranged and paid for. A forced eviction is currently underway despite the matter being sub-judice following another transgression last December by the Delhi Police,' she added.
'How can we claim to be a democratic republic if the basic rights to shelter, water, electricity are being trampled upon?.. There are over 1.5 crore migrant workers in Bengal who live with dignity. But the same cannot be said for BJP-ruled states, where Bengalis are being treated as infiltrators in their own country,' he added.
'Speaking Bengali does not make one a Bangladeshi. These individuals are as much citizens of India as anyone else, regardless of what language they speak. Having failed in their attempts to deprive Bengalis in West Bengal, BJP is now exporting their Bangla-Birodhi (anti-Bengali) agenda to other parts of the country in a strategic and systemic manner,' the chief minister said, adding similar 'disturbing reports have emerged from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh, where Bengali-speaking individuals are facing targeted persecution'.
'We will not remain silent while people from Bengal are treated like trespassers in their own country. Bengal stands in solidarity with every oppressed voice. We will raise this issue in every possible forum,' she added.
Meanwhile, a senior Delhi Police officer said the allegations made by the West Bengal CM were incorrect. 'We had gone there to ensure that a court order regarding electricity theft could be executed. Two power connections had to be cut, as per the orders, on Tuesday. Since then, there is no police presence at the camp,' the officer said. —With ENS, Delhi
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