August 1, 2025

On Thursday, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen voiced concerns regarding the detainment of numerous migrant workers from West Bengal in various states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, and Delhi. These workers are suspected of being illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, which Sen firmly opposes. As he spoke from his ancestral home, Pratichi, in Santiniketan, Birbhum district of West Bengal, he emphasized that this detention issue transcends geographical confines and pertains to the rights of all Indians, regardless of their state or origin. Sen highlighted the importance of India's democracy, stating, 'We will object if any Indian from any state is tortured or neglected in another state.' His remarks come in the context of many detainees claiming that their Bengali-speaking identity has made them targets of discrimination, leading to their unjust detainment. The Nobel laureate also pointed out the historical significance of the Bengali language, referencing literary giants like Rabindranath Tagore and Nazrul Islam, who provided profound contributions to the culture through their works in this language. Sen noted, 'The heritage of the language cannot be ignored,' indicating that the cultural context of Bengali identity plays a crucial role in this issue. West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has been vocal in her criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over this matter. She accused the party of politically branding Bengali-speaking individuals as Bangladeshis, suggesting that this is a tactic to influence the voter base leading up to the 2026 state assembly elections. In a statement made on July 22 in Kolkata, she assured residents, 'Nobody should panic. It is our duty to protect citizens.' Banerjee further added that if the BJP believes it can manipulate voter rolls through fear-mongering and unjust detentions, it is making a grave error. The Chief Minister's comments reflect a broader party strategy, with the Trinamool Congress launching a year-long Bhasha Andolan, or language movement, to raise awareness about these issues and combat perceived injustices against the Bengali-speaking populace. The ongoing situation has sparked debates about national identity, cultural heritage, and the treatment of migrants within the country. As the situations surrounding these detentions unfold, both Sen and Banerjee are rallying support and awareness against the perceived injustices. Their positions highlight the intersection of language, identity, and politics in contemporary India, especially concerning those whose voices may not be adequately represented in current government policies. With the national discourse surrounding immigration, local identities, and cultural legacies becoming increasingly relevant, figures such as Amartya Sen and Mamata Banerjee are poised to remain at the forefront of these discussions. Their passionate appeals against discrimination may serve as a rallying point for those seeking justice for migrant workers and protection of linguistic heritage across the nation.

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Tags: Amartya sen, Migrant workers, Bengali language, Political issues, West bengal,