Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Shankar Ghosh has criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly operating a parallel government in the state, which he claims undermines the federal structure of India. Ghosh expressed his views during a press interaction in Siliguri, asserting that the chief minister’s actions have consistently positioned West Bengal in opposition to the central authority.

He remarked, “Our state government, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, has always fought with the central government.” Ghosh also noted that Banerjee’s administration has initiated its own recognitions, such as the Banga Vibhushan award, in response to the central government’s Padma Vibhushan honors.

Banerjee’s Remarks on State Name Change

On the previous day, Mamata Banerjee had addressed the central government regarding West Bengal’s long-pending proposal to change its name to ‘Bangla’. During her remarks, she extended congratulations to Kerala for its recent name change to ‘Keralam’. According to the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Banerjee emphasized the need for respect toward West Bengal’s cultural heritage and its language. She claimed the central leadership, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah, lack genuine appreciation for the state’s identity.

TMC’s Position on Identity and State Recognition

The TMC’s social media communication echoed Banerjee’s sentiments, stating, “Mamata Banerjee warmly congratulated the people of Kerala on the Union Cabinet’s approval to rename their state ‘Keralam’.” It also pointed out the incongruity of West Bengal’s own name change proposal remaining unaddressed. The TMC accused the BJP of being “Bangla birodhi” or opponents of the state’s identity, arguing that such opposition stems from a refusal to acknowledge the state’s significant cultural heritage. The party reinforced that West Bengal’s “legitimate demand” for a name change should not be dismissed merely due to its political stance against the BJP.

Ongoing Discussions Around State Identity

The issue of renaming West Bengal as ‘Bangla’ has been a topic of discourse for some time. The TMC government has consistently raised this proposal with the central authorities during various interactions. Banerjee’s position indicates a broader concern about the treatment of the state’s cultural and linguistic identity under the current central administration. The TMC’s vocal criticism suggests an ongoing conflict regarding state identity and respect for local heritage as tensions rise in the political landscape.

Context of Political Rivalry in West Bengal

West Bengal has historically been a battleground for political rivalries, particularly between the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP. Banerjee’s vocal advocacy for her state’s identity is perceived as a defense against what she terms “vindictive discrimination.” Her statements, coupled with Ghosh’s criticism, highlight the fraught dynamics between state and central government responsibilities and recognition in India’s federal framework. The continuous dialogue around renaming suggests that this will remain a significant issue in the state’s political dialogue as the parties navigate their differences.

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