“Drenched but Defiant”: Mamata Banerjee Leads Rain-Soaked Rally in Kolkata Protesting Harassment of Bengalis in BJP States

Kolkata: In a striking return to her roots in street-style politics, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a powerful protest march through central Kolkata on Wednesday, braving heavy rain to raise her voice against what she termed the “targeted harassment” of Bengali-speaking citizens in BJP-ruled states.

The rally, which covered a 3-kilometre stretch, was marked by massive public participation and fierce slogans such as “BJP, chi chi” (“Shame on you, BJP”). Mamata, flanked by senior Trinamool Congress leaders including party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, walked in the downpour with folded hands, as supporters carrying placards followed closely behind. Over 1,500 police personnel were deployed to ensure security along the route.

“This is not just a march — it’s a warning,” Mamata told reporters midway through the rally. “If you continue to treat Bengalis like outsiders in their own country, Bengal will not remain silent.”

The protest was triggered by the recent detention of 444 alleged Bangladeshi nationals in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district, a move the Trinamool Congress claims is politically motivated. According to the TMC, nearly 200 of those detained are migrant workers from Bengal, not illegal immigrants. The party has accused the BJP of using the “illegal migrant” narrative to marginalize Bengalis outside West Bengal, especially in states like Odisha, Delhi, and Assam.

Mamata’s rally also comes just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the state — a timing that political observers see as highly strategic. With Assembly elections looming next year, the TMC appears to be sharpening its linguistic and cultural identity plank to consolidate its support base.

TMC spokespersons have further alleged that linguistic profiling, police detentions, and eviction drives against Bengali-speaking communities have increased in BJP-ruled states — an accusation the BJP has strongly denied.

“This march is not just about politics. It’s about identity, dignity, and the rights of Bengali people across India,” said Abhishek Banerjee at the rally’s conclusion. “We will not allow the BJP to paint every Bengali outside Bengal as a suspect.”