Archive · 1 Sep 2025
Bengali Cultural Workers Face Unease Amidst Festive Season
Imagine it's festival time in Bengal, with drummers and priests going to other states for celebrations.
But some are scared because they hear that Bengali speakers are being treated unfairly, sometimes just for speaking their language.
They're worried about being stopped or questioned.
This is causing anxiety for them and their families, who rely on this work.
The government is talking about this, and there are different opinions on whether it is happening on purpose or not.
So, while festivals bring joy, there's also a feeling of unease for some.
Bengali cultural workers, including drummers and priests, report fear when traveling to other states.
They face concerns of identity-based harassment and linguistic prejudice.
These workers are advised to carry extensive identification documents.
The ruling TMC accuses the BJP of fostering hostility towards linguistic minorities.
BJP leaders claim increased ID checks are routine and not targeted at Bengalis.
- Who
- Bengali dhakis and purohits
- What
- Experiencing fear of harassment and scrutiny when traveling to other states
- When
- During the festive season
- Where
- Multiple states, particularly those governed by BJP
- Why
- Due to alleged identity-based harassment and linguistic prejudice.
TMC
BJP
Cause of Harassment
TMC
The BJP is fostering an atmosphere hostile to linguistic and regional minorities.
BJP
Increased ID checks are routine law-and-order measures, not targeted harassment.
- Affected Groups
- Dhakis (drummers) and Purohits (priests)
- Reported Issues
- Identity-based harassment and linguistic prejudice
- Locations of Concern
- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Rajasthan
- Actions Taken
- Carrying extra identification, including property papers
- Political Response
- TMC accuses BJP of hostility; BJP denies targeting Bengalis
Sources
Bengali migrants’ harassment: Priests, drummers fear travelling to other states this festive season
Motion moved in West Bengal Assembly on harassment of Bengalis in other states; discussions on two days