Tue Sep 02 17:25:49 UTC 2025: **Summary of the Text**

The West Bengal Legislative Assembly held a heated discussion on a resolution concerning the harassment and targeting of Bengali-speaking migrants in various parts of India. The resolution, tabled by Minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, highlighted concerns that Bengali workers migrating for livelihood are being unfairly labeled as “Bangladeshis,” attacked, and forcibly evicted. Ministers from the ruling party condemned such actions, emphasizing the constitutional rights of Bengali speakers and accusing the BJP of being anti-Bengali. BJP MLAs countered by questioning whether the targeted individuals were actually illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and defended the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) for granting citizenship to Bengali Hindus. The Chief Minister is expected to join the discussion. The debate arose amidst reports of Bengali migrants facing detention and harassment, with some even being deported to Bangladesh before being repatriated by Indian authorities.

**News Article Rewrite**

**West Bengal Assembly Debates Resolution on Harassment of Bengali Migrants**

**Kolkata, September 2, 2025** – The West Bengal Legislative Assembly was the scene of a spirited debate today as lawmakers discussed a resolution addressing the alleged harassment and targeting of Bengali-speaking migrants in various parts of India.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay introduced the resolution, stating that Bengali workers seeking employment in other states are being unfairly labeled as “Bangladeshis,” subjected to attacks, and forcibly evicted from their settlements. He emphasized that Bengali is a constitutionally recognized language spoken by a significant portion of the Indian population, and demanded protection of the constitutional rights of Bengali speakers across the country.

Other ministers echoed these concerns, with Minister Firhad Hakim alleging anti-Bengali sentiment within the BJP, claiming that states not governed by the BJP are not seeing as many migrants targeted. Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya highlighted the Bengali origins of the Indian national anthem, while Education Minister Bratya Basu underscored the history of linguistic states in India.

BJP MLAs, including Sankar Ghosh and Ashim Sarkar, challenged the claims, questioning whether those being targeted are, in fact, illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Sarkar, representing the Matua community, also defended the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as a means of granting citizenship to persecuted Bengali Hindus.

Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari was suspended for disrupting proceedings during the debate. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to participate in the discussion on Thursday.

The resolution comes amidst reports of Bengali-speaking migrants facing detention, harassment, and demands for documentation to prove their Indian citizenship. Some workers have even reported being pushed into Bangladesh before being repatriated by Indian authorities. The Assembly’s debate reflects growing tensions surrounding migration and citizenship within India.

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