
Wed Jan 07 23:15:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee Confronts BJP MP Over Migrant Worker Detentions in Maharashtra
The Story
On January 7, 2026, Trinamool Congress (TMC) National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee met with migrant workers in Tapan, West Bengal, who were previously detained in Maharashtra on allegations of being Bangladeshi nationals. Banerjee directly challenged Sukanta Majumdar, the BJP MP representing Balurghat constituency where the workers reside, accusing him of neglecting the workers and failing to advocate for their release. Banerjee highlighted the workers’ claim of harassment for speaking Bengali, questioning Majumdar’s silence and implying hypocrisy.
Key Points
- Abhishek Banerjee met with two migrant workers, Asit Sarkar and Gautam Barman, in Balurghat, West Bengal.
- The workers were detained in Maharashtra’s Bhiwandi for nearly seven months, accused of being Bangladeshi nationals.
- Banerjee accused Sukanta Majumdar, BJP MP for Balurghat, of failing to assist the detained workers.
- A BJP worker admitted seeking Majumdar’s help, which was allegedly not provided, prompting them to contact TMC leaders.
- Banerjee questioned Majumdar’s lack of intervention with the Maharashtra government regarding the wrongful detention.
Key Takeaways
- The incident highlights the sensitive issue of migrant worker rights and accusations of discrimination based on language and origin.
- It underscores the ongoing political rivalry between the TMC and BJP in West Bengal.
- The event serves as a potential point of mobilization for the TMC among migrant worker communities.
- Accusations of neglect can damage the standing of political representatives with their constituents.
- The incident raises questions about the responsiveness of elected officials to the needs of their constituents, regardless of political affiliation.