West Bengal’s Anti-Outsider Encroachment Drive: Is Mamata Banerjee Playing ‘Bengali Asmita’ Card?

In the 2021 elections, Mamata Banerjee’s slogan was ‘Bangali vs Bahari (outsiders)’. (PTI File)

Is West Bengal Chief Minister (CM) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee now playing the ‘Bengali pride (asmita)’ card?

This week, the state saw an extensive drive against encroachment on government. While encroachment is a key concern, interestingly, the action came along with Banerjee’s statement alluding it to “outsiders”. “Please remember, every state has its own identity. Its own culture. We also like other cultures. There are people who are conspiring to destroy Bengal’s identity. Let me warn them, don’t destroy Bengal’s identity for money.”

TMC insiders say the idea that outsiders are entering areas such as Siliguri and some urban areas of Kolkata has reached the top brass. Therefore, Banerjee made the statement. She also added, “After some time, you will not find people who can speak Bengali here.”

Speaking to News18, TMC’s Kunal Ghosh said, “It is okay if outsiders are coming here, but there should be a check point. We are not against people from outside…”

Banerjee has ordered the administration to survey all areas that have been encroached upon..

In the 2021 elections, Banerjee’s slogan was ‘Bangali vs Bahari (outsiders)’. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was tagged an “outsiders’ party”. Experts say Banerjee is taking forward that very theory, by stressing on “Bangali regionalism”.

BJP leader Agnimitra Paul told News18: “Mamata Banerjee is trying to play the caste card and divide the Bengalis and non-Bengalis.” “What about Rohingya and Muslims? They are not being touched…Why? Illegal occupation is about anyone who breaks rules, they why play religion and caste politics? My advice is ‘don’t play with fire’,” he further posted on X.

Maharashtra is known for its ‘Marathi manoos’ emotion, even in Odisha, the BJP campaigned that “Odisha’s culture” was in danger. Now Bengal, too, will see “culture politics” at the forefront, says experts.