Crisis Unfolds: Bengali Migrants Targeted in Non-native States

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has raised alarm over the alleged harassment and wrongful detention of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in Odisha and Maharashtra. Accusing the states of targeting workers as part of a xenophobic backlash, Chowdhury has urged the President for intervention. TMC also condemns the situation, highlighting anti-Bengali sentiments.

In a concerning development, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has addressed a letter to the President of India, detailing the dire circumstances faced by Bengali-speaking migrant workers in states such as Odisha and Maharashtra.

According to Chowdhury, these workers, who contribute significantly to state revenues, are being unjustly targeted due to their resemblance to Bangladeshi nationals, leading to illegal detentions and physical abuse. He highlights that these individuals are bona fide Indian citizens, yet become victims of a xenophobic backlash.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has echoed these sentiments, publicly accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of perpetuating a "witch hunt" against Bengalis, as showcased in a video by TMC leader Kunal Ghosh. Despite serious allegations, neither the BJP nor Suvendu Adhikari had issued an official response at the time of this report. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)