Assam BJP Leader Criticizes Malviya Over ‘Bangladeshi Language’ Remark

Quick Summary

• A former BJP MP from Assam’s Barak Valley criticized BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya for labeling the Sylheti dialect of Bengali as “nearly incomprehensible to Indian Bengalis.”
• Rajdeep Roy, the ex-Silchar MP, defended Sylheti, stating it predates modern political entities like bangladesh adn is spoken by over 70 lakh people in Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura.
• He highlighted past figures such as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Bipin Chandra Pal who spoke Sylheti.
• Other BJP leaders from Barak Valley voiced opposition to Malviya’s remarks. Notable figures in their party from the region also speak Sylheti, including Silchar’s current MP Parimal Suklabaidya.
• Criticism extended across parties:

– Sushmita Dev (TMC): Called for Amit Malviya’s dismissal due to his alleged ignorance of Bengali history and culture.
– Gaurav Gogoi (Assam Congress): Accused the BJP of insulting Bengalis under policies like CAA and fostering division within India.
– Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal CM): Declared the delhi Police letter mentioning “Bangladeshi language” scandalous; emphasized Bengali’s contribution to India’s National Anthem/Song by Tagore and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.- Pradyot Kishore Manikya debbarma (Tipra Motha Party founder): Decried characterizing any Indian language as foreign; warned about linguistic marginalization.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The controversy surrounding Amit Malviya’s comments on Sylheti underscores sensitive linguistic dynamics in India’s diverse society. Language is deeply tied to regional identity, culture, and history. by mischaracterizing a widely spoken dialect with significant cultural relevance – linked to freedom fighters like Bipin Chandra Pal – such statements risk alienating communities within India’s border states where cross-border cultural connections are strong.

The debate also highlights potential tensions within the BJP itself. Leaders from Barak Valley vocally opposed Mr. Malviya’s stance. this intraparty discord suggests that understanding regional realities is critical for political cohesion in multi-cultural spaces like northeastern India.Opposition criticisms extend beyond this incident into broader concerns about marginalization under policies perceived as anti-bengali or divisive nationally. Public acknowledgment of contributions made by Bengali figures-like Rabindranath Tagore-reflects efforts across party lines to reinforce communal harmony through shared symbols of pride.

India must balance linguistic sensitivities while discussing foreign policy or internal security contexts related to neighboring regions without undermining its domestic mosaic of languages shaped by centuries-old heritage.

Read more: The Hindu