Kolkata, July 17, (V7N) – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a sharp attack on the Modi government, alleging that the Indian authorities are harboring former leaders of Bangladesh's ousted Awami League while labeling ordinary Bengali speakers as “Bangladeshis” and even “Rohingyas”.

Speaking at an event in Newtown, Kolkata on Thursday (July 17), Mamata Banerjee said, "The Indian government has kept some guests. Did I stop them? I did not. The reason for that is political." Her statement appeared to reference former ministers, MPs, and leaders of the Awami League who are reportedly staying in Kolkata under the support of the Indian central government.

She questioned the central government’s alleged double standards: "Why are you giving the label 'Bangladeshis' if they speak Bengali? If there is so much problem with Bangladeshis, then why has the Indian government kept some Bangladeshis as guests? The West Bengal government has not objected to their keeping yet."

Mamata Banerjee also highlighted the growing trend of harassment faced by Bengali-speaking Indians in various Indian states. "An Indian can go anywhere in the country. But in different states, if they speak Bengali, they are turned away as Bangladeshis. They are being deported. Not only Bangladeshis, even Bengali speakers are being called Rohingya," she said.

The Trinamool Congress chief further clarified that all refugees who entered India under the Indira-Mujib Accord of 1971 are legitimate Indian citizens, not foreigners. "Those who came as per the Indira-Mujib agreement are Indians. They cannot be termed Bangladeshis under any circumstances," she asserted.

Her comments come amid heightened scrutiny and rising political tensions involving immigration, identity politics, and cross-border relationships between India and Bangladesh.

END/RH/AJ