Fewer teachers, more outsiders taking part in stir outside Bikash Bhawan: Mamata

PTI, KOLKATA, MAY 19, 2025 : Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said she was not opposed to teachers protesting outside the state education department headquarters over demands for permanent reinstatement, but claimed that the agitation saw participation from several outsiders.

"I am not against any demonstration, but there is a 'Lakshman Rekha' (red line). I believe outsiders are involved. The number of teachers is fewer, while outsiders are more. Just as I don’t have the right to block anyone, no one has the right to block me either," Mamata said at Kolkata airport before leaving for north Bengal on a three-day trip.

She condemned the breaking of the gate at Bikash Bhawan, the state education department headquarters, and the forcible confinement of people inside the building during the protest.

"I have enough sympathy for them. I told them during our meeting that we will file a review petition in the Supreme Court. But the matter is sub judice, and we must follow the law. If the court accepts the petition, that will be good. Our lawyers will do everything to help them retain their jobs. But if the court rules otherwise, we have to abide by that," the Chief Minister said.

Mamata urged the protestors to place their trust in the state government and, as teachers, "they should have shown minimum respect and courtesy."

"Teachers should remain above politics and continue helping students and society. There are many who are still working, and we have no complaints against them — nor against those who are protesting," she said.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over incidents during the protest, including the alleged mistreatment of a pregnant woman and a student who injured herself while trying to leave the building.

"A pregnant woman wasn't allowed to go home. She and others complained of being trapped inside for 20 hours. An examinee, who was repeatedly saying that she wanted to go home, jumped off the building and injured her legs. She is now hospitalised," Mamata added.

Reiterating that the state had not stopped anyone’s salary — including those in Group C and D categories — the Chief Minister said she was disturbed by those allegedly "instigating" the teachers.

"We are bound by the court’s decision, but no one’s salary has been stopped. I do not know who is instigating the protest. Those who went to court caused this situation, and now they want to act like saviours. They did not lose their jobs because of us," she said.

Echoing the CM's views, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee stressed the importance of non-violence in protests.

"Everyone has the right to protest — not just in Bengal, but across the country. I’m not demeaning their protest, and I don’t have the audacity to do that. But protests should not be given a political colour," the Diamond Harbour MP told reporters.

"I’ve seen footage of the gate being broken. I’m not blaming anyone, but protests should not turn violent. That destroys the essence of protest. Government property should not be vandalised," he added.