As political tensions mount over the alleged mistreatment of Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled states, particularly over citizenship concerns and voter list exclusions following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Bihar, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drawing both fierce criticism and vocal support.
Speaking at a public event in Uttarpara, Hooghly, on Sunday, the Serampore MP referenced a past comment by Modi to challenge the Prime Minister’s legitimacy. “Narendra Modi himself said he is not a biological child, but a spiritual one,” Banerjee said, continuing, “So if Modi was not born biologically, he is not an Indian citizen. Then how is his name in the voter list? He should be pushed back and sent to the gods and goddesses.”
The remarks caused immediate ripples across political circles, especially in the backdrop of the SIR controversy, which has triggered concerns over discrimination against Bengali-speaking citizens and alleged voter disenfranchisement in both West Bengal and Bangladesh.
Banerjee was referring to Modi’s comment during an interview last year in which the Prime Minister stated, “When my mother was alive, I believed I was born biologically. After she passed away, I came to feel that I was sent by God.”
Using the statement to criticise the SIR process, Banerjee asked, “If I am not at home, will my name disappear from the voter list? What kind of absurdity is this? This is nothing but a systematic attack on the Bengali identity.”
Also read: West Bengal holds BLO training, hints at possible SIR rollout
The TMC MP reiterated his party’s position on linguistic and cultural pride. “We will never accept those who belittle the Bengali language. If someone is arrested for speaking Bengali and pushed back to Bangladesh, we will roar against it. Bengali is not just a language—it’s a movement, our identity,” he said.
Banerjee also accused the Election Commission of political bias, alleging that eligibility to vote was now determined by party loyalty.
“Bring a written declaration from the BJP office and your name will be in the voter list, is this what Indian democracy has come to?” he asked.
Taking direct aim at the Centre, Banerjee said, “Those who have voters should decide the government. But now, Modi’s government wants to decide who will be voters. Only BJP supporters and allies? This is nothing but dictatorship in disguise.”
Calling for mass mobilisation, the senior Trinamool MP urged party workers to intensify protests. “We must roar across Bengal and across India. Bengalis led the freedom struggle, we will not tolerate oppression. Narendra Modi must remember: the anger of Bengalis will one day bring down his government,” he said.
The comments come as TMC intensifies its ‘language movement’ across West Bengal, aiming to safeguard the dignity of the Bengali language and identity, especially in the wake of alleged mistreatment of Bengali-speaking communities in states such as Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Observers say Banerjee’s sharp rhetoric signals a tactical shift in Trinamool’s approach ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, from welfare-focused messaging to an identity-driven campaign built around Bengali pride.
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