CPI(M)’s Md. Salim Criticizes Mamata for Delayed Focus on Bengali Identity

Quick Summary

• Mohammad Salim, CPI(M) West Bengal State Secretary, criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s emphasis on Bengali identity, stating it is politically motivated for the 2026 Assembly elections.
• Salim accused BJP and RSS of targeting marginalised communities for years and claimed Mamata had stayed silent on these issues until now.
• He alleged that under Mamata’s governance, Bengali language education in schools and colleges has deteriorated substantially.
• Salim dismissed TMC’s annual martyr’s Day celebration on July 21 as an “annual picnic” for its workers organized with Kolkata Police support.
• Ms. Banerjee called for a language movement starting July 26 to protect Bengali identity amid alleged attacks on Bengali-speaking migrants in BJP-led states.
• Salim sharply opposed her approach, insisting language preservation should focus on education systems and institutional support rather than political speeches or rallies.
• Senior CPI(M) leader Bikash Ranjan bhattacharya stated that recent CPI(M) programs are gaining public traction, worrying TMC.

indian Opinion Analysis

The debate over cultural identity and linguistic preservation highlights a critical issue faced by regional politics today-balancing political rhetoric with actionable steps toward societal progress.While Mamata Banerjee has foregrounded the importance of protecting bengali heritage in light of migrant concerns, her government has faced accusations regarding declining standards of education in regional languages. mohammad Salim’s critique reflects broader concerns about cultural erosion through inadequate institutional enforcement.

On the other hand, framing such movements around electoral narratives risks diluting their inclusivity by tying them to specific party agendas or deadlines. If genuinely pursued at grassroots levels beyond mere political platforms or celebrations like Martyr’s Day events, efforts toward strengthening linguistic pride could benefit not only local communities but also national cohesion amidst diverse identities.

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