Mamata alleges Bengalis being labelled as ‘ghuspaithiya’, pledges to stand against communal forces
The Statesman | 23 February 2026
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today alleged that divisive forces were attempting to malign and target Bengali-speaking people by labelling them as “ghuspaithiya” (illegal infiltrators), subjecting them to humiliation and persecution.
Strongly condemning such attempts, Mamata asserted that she would continue to stand firmly against those who try to destroy the state’s culture or heritage due to intolerance. Without naming any party, she said, “Such actions pain me deeply; they strike at the very heart of constitutional values. We shall never allow Bengal’s identity to be undermined by narrow-minded politics.”
She insisted that West Bengal, like India, has been the land of diverse languages and cultures; therefore, there should be equal love for “Bangla” as a language, just like the other languages spoken throughout the country.
The Chief Minister said, “Bengal and India, islands of many languages and cultures. As we love Bangla with devotion, we equally respect Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Kurukh, Kurmali, Rajbanshi, Santali, Kamtapuri, Sadri, and every other language spoken across our soil. Each language carries within it the history, memory, and aspirations of its people. This unity in diversity is our greatest strength.”
Reaffirming her pledge against divisive forces, Mamata said that she will not allow any communal force fracture Bengal’s harmony. She added that she will not let any attempt to erode Bengal’s linguistic pride succeed. She pledged to uphold the inclusive and secular ethos of the state.