Mamata Begins Inauguration of Pujas, Urges People to Remain United Against Conspiracies

PTI, KOLKATA, SEPT 20, 2025 : Underscoring the message of unity in diversity, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday voiced concern over reports of alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking migrant laborers in some states of the country.

Inaugurating the Sribhumi Durga Puja in the city's Lake Town area, Mamata stressed the importance of mutual respect for all languages and cultures in India. "In Bengal, different communities celebrate the festival together. All come together on the occasion of Durga Puja, which exemplifies the unique spirit of Bengal. Someone may call his mother 'Maa', and another may say 'Amma'. But the love, respect, and bonding remain the same. As Ramakrishna Paramahansa said, there are different paths to reach the same goal," she said.

On reports of alleged atrocities against Bengali-speaking migrants in different states, the Chief Minister stated, "I respect my mother tongue. Others should also respect Bengali. Bengali-speaking migrant workers should not be harassed."

Mamata mentioned that 22 lakh people from Bengal work outside the state, while 1.5 crore migrants reside and work in Bengal. "We should remain united against all conspiracies to divide us. Otherwise, the country will split," she said. "One has to remember that Bengal is a part of India, and we must be respectful about Bengal, its culture, songs, and creative works," she added.

Referring to the inclement weather, the Chief Minister said, "We have to be alert. We are keeping a watch on the situation. If there is rain in Jharkhand, Bihar, and our state gets affected. Similarly, if neighboring states experience heavy rainfall, it often results in floods here due to overflowing reservoirs. Given Bengal's geographic location, we face such challenges. Let's hope for a rain-free Durga Puja as lakhs of people eagerly await the festivities," she said.

The Chief Minister also announced that the state government will set up a 'Durgangan' (Durga temple) in Kolkata, the second such project after the Jagannath Temple in Digha, Purba Medinipur.