Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Sep 21: On the auspicious occasion of Mahalaya, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated several Durga Puja pandals across the state—some in person and others virtually—while using the platform to underline the importance of communal harmony and regional rights in the face of rising centralisation.

“Peace can prevail in the country only when there is communal unity,” the Chief Minister declared at a pandal inauguration in South Kolkata. “Bengal stands for unity in religion, culture, language, and caste. We believe in all-inclusivity.”

GST Reforms: Bengal Bearing the Burden, Says CM

Criticising the Union government for touting progress in GST reforms, Banerjee argued that the financial cost of these reforms is being unfairly borne by the states.

“Despite the Centre making tall claims about next-gen GST returns, it’s the states like Bengal that are suffering financially. We’re staring at a loss of nearly ?20,000 crore, yet we are not complaining because the common people have benefitted to some extent,” she said.

She added that BJP-ruled states may be indirectly compensated, but Bengal continues to be denied its rightful share of central funds.

Language Discrimination Against Bengalis Outside Bengal

Continuing her sharp critique of the BJP, the Chief Minister raised concerns over alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in other states.

“Why should Bengalis be harassed for speaking their mother tongue in other states? In Bengal, no one faces discrimination for speaking in any other language. Then why the double standard?” Banerjee questioned.

‘Jago Bangla’ Puja Edition Launched

Later in the day, Mamata Banerjee joined TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee at the launch of the Puja edition of the party’s Bengali mouthpiece, Jago Bangla.

Speaking at the launch, Abhishek Banerjee highlighted the international recognition of Bengal’s Durga Puja under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership.

“A few years ago, there were false claims that Durga Puja was under threat in Bengal. But today, our Puja is on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. That speaks volumes,” he said.