Guwahati: Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding her remarks on the supposed mistreatment of Bengali migrants in states governed by the BJP. Speaking to the press late last night, Mr. Sarma challenged the Trinamool Congress leader to enforce the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in West Bengal if she truly ‘cares for Bengalis.’ This challenge was accompanied by an assertion that Ms. Banerjee is primarily concerned with ‘Muslim Bengalis.’

“Mamata Banerjee needs to understand that in Assam, Bengali Hindus are not only safeguarded but have also integrated into the broader Assamese community… They continue to practice their language and religion, contributing to a larger Assamese society,” Mr. Sarma stated in response to a reporter’s inquiry.

Mr. Sarma claimed there is no rift between Assamese and Bengalis in Assam; however, he questioned the TMC leader’s commitment to the Bengali community. “If you genuinely care about Bengali people, why not implement the CAA in West Bengal?” he posed to Chief Minister Banerjee.

“The real question is whether Mamata Banerjee has affection for all Bengalis or just Muslim Bengalis. My conclusion is that Mamata Banerjee favors only Muslim Bengalis, and if she visits Assam, the Assamese and Hindu Bengalis will not let her off easily for that,” he added.

Posting a video clip on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Sarma reiterated his concerns and beliefs. He remarked, “Bengali Hindus are secure in Assam, yet TMC seems solely focused on Bengali Muslims. If they truly care for Bengali Hindus, why did they oppose the CAA?”

This statement follows Ms. Banerjee’s protest in Kolkata on Thursday against the alleged harassment of Bengali speakers in BJP-ruled states. She accused both the central and state BJP governments of targeting Bengali migrants, asserting that Bengal fought for India’s independence and that the BJP should feel ashamed.

“What does the BJP think? That they can harm Bengalis? They are labeling them as Rohingya. Rohingya are from Myanmar, not from here. 22 lakh impoverished migrant workers are being singled out. I urge them to go back home. They will find safety here. The BJP is dispatching Bengali speakers to detention centers. Is West Bengal not part of India?” Ms. Banerjee inquired. She questioned whether the BJP had overlooked the sacrifices made by Bengalis and their freedom fighters.