Mamata Banerjee Condemns Language Mislabeling by Delhi Police

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has publicly criticized the Delhi Police for a notice that inaccurately referred to Bengali as a “Bangladeshi language.” This notice was issued in the context of seeking translation assistance for a case involving individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants. Banerjee expressed her disapproval, labeling the notice as both insulting and unconstitutional. She emphasized that such mischaracterizations undermine the cultural and linguistic identity of Bengali speakers, urging for immediate corrective measures and public protests against this perceived slight.

Cultural and Constitutional Implications

The controversy arose when the Delhi Police circulated a notice requesting help in translating a document related to a legal case. The document in question involved individuals suspected of illegal immigration, and the police sought translation services, mistakenly categorizing Bengali as a language from Bangladesh. This mislabeling has sparked outrage among Bengali speakers, who view it as an affront to their cultural heritage. Mamata Banerjee highlighted that Bengali is one of India’s official languages, spoken by millions across the country, particularly in West Bengal. She argued that such errors not only reflect ignorance but also violate constitutional principles that recognize and respect India’s linguistic diversity.

Call for Action and Public Response

In response to the incident, Mamata Banerjee called for protests to address what she described as a humiliation of Bengali speakers. She urged citizens to stand against such misrepresentations and demanded accountability from the authorities responsible for the oversight. The Chief Minister’s strong stance underscores her commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of her constituents. Her call to action has resonated with many, prompting discussions on social media and among political circles about the importance of accurate representation of languages within official communications.